These are the factors that have driven the growth of the banana sector in recent years

New plantings and increased demand in territories such as the European Union, Eastern Europe and the Middle East are some of the reasons that have led Ecuador to add more than 61.4 million boxes of bananas exported between 2016 and 2016. 2020.

However, this increase, which would translate into 19%, would be influenced by other factors in addition to those already mentioned.

Modification in prices
During recent years, real average prices were above those decreed by the central government, which has motivated not only new plantings, but also the renewal or maintenance of existing and registered hectares.

Increase in production
One of the provinces that has increased the production of this fruit is Los Ríos. This growth - driven by a greater economic capacity of the producers of that land - is added to the renovations of the plantations and has a direct influence on exports, which during 2020 reached the sale of 380.4 million boxes.

Increase in client portfolio
Around 100 companies buy 91.6% of the boxes placed in international markets. The top five companies, Dole (Ubesa), Reybanlac, Frutadeli, Comersur and Agzulasa, only ship 29.81% of the total, according to Acorbanec.

Adaptability
The actors in the chain (producers, exporters, suppliers, government, financial entities) adapt to the changes demanded by markets and consumers. And that was what happened, for example, during the critical months of the pandemic.

Demand takes off in already established markets
The increase in demand, especially in the European Union (9% more), Algeria, the Middle East (21%) and Eastern Europe (12%), was a strong point, since Ecuador is a traditional supplier to these markets. .

Port improvements
Dredging the access channel to the ports allowed larger ships to arrive, which resulted in an increase in export capacity.