Banana Industry: Guatemala and Peru new competitors of Ecuador

Peruvian Banana Exporters

Ecuador‘s banana sector is affected in the global market of the fruit due to two strong competitors.

Guatemala and Peru have become a threat to the country in the production and marketing of conventional and organic bananas.

Although Costa Rica and Colombia have been the biggest rivals, traders are wary of the giant strides that Guatemala and Peru has given in their levels of banana crops.

Productivity in Guatemala reaches an average of 3,500 boxes per hectare each year, compared to the 1,800 boxes from Ecuador.

Peru also gained ground in the market for organic bananas. 10 yearsago, Ecuador was the second largest exporter of this type of fruit, but today it fell to fifth place. First place belongs to Peru, which has gradually been taking over this particular market.

Peru’s success is attributed to the excellent weather conditions that have for the growing of organic bananas, however it should be noted that Ecuador is also capable to exploit specific soils. (ARL)