Latam banana industry tackles low prices in Europe at conference in Ecuador

Quito, Oct. 21 (EFE).- Ecuador, the world’s leading banana exporter, is to host representatives from Latin America’s banana sector on Wednesday for the 21st edition of 'Banana Time,' to address challenges such as low prices in Europe, logistical security, phytosanitary threats, and the situation and regulations in key export markets.

The 'Banana Time Guayaquil,' one of the largest international conventions in the banana industry, is to take place from October 23 to 25 in the city that houses Ecuador’s main port. Guayaquil handles the majority of Ecuador’s banana exports, which generated over $3.5 billion in sales in 2023.

Attendees include delegates from the agricultural and financial sectors of Colombia and Costa Rica, gathering under the leadership of the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE), which represents more than 70% of Ecuadorian exporting companies.

Latin American exporters share similar concerns about the industry, which will be discussed over three days of conferences focusing on security, innovation, and sustainability. Particular attention will be given to efforts to ensure that the European Union (EU) respects the value of the product and collaborates with the sustainability of the industry.

Recently, banana producers and exporters from Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, and the Dominican Republic expressed their rejection of the €0.89 per kilo price offered by the large German supermarket chain Lidl for bananas from Latin America—a 47% reduction compared to prices offered by other chains.

For these groups, this is a harmful strategy aimed at attracting consumers to other products, devaluing the industry’s efforts to deliver a high-quality, sustainable product.

      Call for cooperation and action

The first day of the 'XXI Banana Time' will focus on advancements in biotechnology and advanced agricultural practices to combat banana diseases like Fusarium 4 and Moko, while the second day will highlight phytopathological threats, genetic editing, and commercial strategies to navigate the competitive global market.

The final day will address new regulations, consumption trends in key markets such as the EU, Russia, the United States, and China, logistical security, and Ecuador’s 2030 outlook. There will also be a banana-based cooking competition to promote the fruit in gastronomy.

“Cooperation and action are essential for the immediate future of Ecuador and its banana sector. The current challenges are complex and structural, but every challenge or problem also brings new opportunities,” said AEBE President Jorge Encalada.

“Despite the difficulties, Ecuador’s banana sector has the ability to strengthen itself through a strategy that includes security, innovation, and sustainability—crucial pillars that we will discuss at 'Banana Time Guayaquil,'” added Encalada.

Notable presence at 'Fruit Attraction' in Spain

With commercial exhibitions and a total of 28 speakers, including a dozen international experts, AEBE will hold 'Banana Time Guayaquil' after recently participating in Madrid at the 'Fruit Attraction' fair, where Ecuador won the award for the best stand, and in the World Banana Forum.

At the event, Ecuador’s Banana and Plantain Cluster, of which AEBE is a part, showcased the country’s commercial potential and its commitment to sustainability, workers’ welfare, and strengthening trade relationships with European partners.

AEBE Executive Director and Cluster Coordinator, José Antonio Hidalgo, reiterated the need for EU prices to reflect the efforts in sustainability, social responsibility, and compliance with European regulations, as well as the implementation of shared responsibility for certifications and audits, which put pressure on producers.

He also mentioned the progress made in strengthening sustainability and social responsibility standards, with over 99% of workers earning a living wage. He highlighted the investments aimed at improving safety on farms and throughout the logistics chain.

The banana industry is a key driver of Ecuador’s economy, contributing more than $3 billion annually to the country’s GDP and generating 250,000 direct jobs. In 2023, its exports were primarily directed to the EU (28.42%), Russia (21.12%), the Middle East (16.65%), and the United States (9.08%). EFE

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EFE has collaborated with AEBE in the production of this content.