Passion fruit, pineapple and plantain, which are the main non-traditional fruits in the Ecuadorian export trade, reduced shipments in the first half of this year compared with the same period of 2011.
Lower production in the agriculture sector and the fall in external demand are some of the reasons presented by the representatives of these sectors.
According to Centra Bank figures, passion fruit shipments fell 60.9%, going from $38.86 million to $15.14 million, pineapple decreased by 15.5%, going from $18.54 million to $ 15.66 million, while plantain fell 11.16% going from $ 38.12 million to $33.86 million.
Marcos Velasquez, head of commodity Purchase Tropifrutas, said that in the case of passion fruit, the sharp drop is attributed to low productivity.
He explained that in 2011 the country had 18,000 hectares of this crop, but this year there is only 5,000 ha.
Velasquez said that most producers decided not to continue with the activity because last year a kilo of fruit was bought at $0.20 abroad, “which discouraged producers, who spent $ 0.16 to produce it.”
However, Velasquez said the price currently has improved and is listed at $0.34 a kilo, so it is expected that for mid-2013, another 5,000 hectares will be ready for the production of fruit, which is exported in juice or concentrate.
Meanwhile, the plantain demand declined in the U.S. and Europe as a result of the global economic crisis, according to Henry Palacios, president of the Banana Exporters Association.
Palacios added that direct competition from Costa Rica, Panama and Honduras in that niche has an influence. “We have no commercial incentives or systems to help improve plantain quality, like drainage and irrigation,” he added.
Pineapple exports declined, despite increased sales to Chile. The United States, which is the second fruit buyer, bought a least 45.79% less.