Ecuadorian pitahaya exports have experienced significant growth this year. According to data provided by the Central Bank of Ecuador, between January and September of this year, pitahaya exports increased by 17.6% in value and 7.2% in volume over the same period of the previous year, stated Alex Bustos Guerra, president of Green Control LA.
The United States positioned itself as the main destination for Ecuadorian pitahayas with 25,663 tons (+13.9%). It accounted for 59.05% of Ecuadorian pitahaya exports, which it purchased at an average price of $ 4.20 per kilo.
Peru and Colombia follow, although with considerably lower prices. Peru accounted for 23.04% of the market and purchased the pitahayas at an average of $0.21 per kilo. Meanwhile, Colombia has a 4.88% market share, with an average price of $0.24 per kilo.
The European Union ranked fourth with 2,989 tons between January and September (+202%). The average price paid by the EU stood at $4.94 per kilo.
Hong Kong, which only accounts for 2.62% of exports, paid the most for the Ecuadorian product ($7.56 per kilo).
"Everything indicates that Ecuadorian pitahaya exports will amount to nearly $200 million in 2024. Thus, pitahaya is one of Ecuador's five most important agro-export products," Bustos stated.
Source: agraria.pe