Twelve Banana Companies were Fined for Violating the Banana Bill

Since February 2011, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAGAP) of Ecuador accounts 72 administrative proceedings against several exporters in the country for breaking the Banana Bill. Of that total, 12 companies were already fined and 55 have yet to justify their fault.

Yesterday, the Secretary of Agriculture for the South Coast, Rafael Guerrero, announced the list of companies, denying that there is an alleged inaction on the part of his work to the irregularities are still being committed in the sector.

The official said the disrespect to the bill is causing the 50% of the Ecuadorian banana to be sold in less than $ 5.50 in the international market.

Grubafal, recording two fines (the first one of $ 395,294 and the second one of $ 312,612); Exbanecua S. A. (with a fine of $ 440,891); and Frutecua S.A. (with two cautions totaling $ 78,166) are among the companies that have been sanctioned, according to the information given. Colbanano; Dialinspec; Gilberto Zoleta; Produnexus; Contaban; Corralitos; Banaforexport S.A.; Vimpticorp; Aycamban S.A.; Gilberto Zoleta, are also part of that list.

The 55 exporters – who are still being inquired – shall present a justification for not paying through the interbank system an amount of approximately $ 13 million. The deadline for 23 of those companies to present their justification ended yesterday, and the rest of them have 76 hours to do so.

Source: Daily Expreso