Producers in Ecuador are seeing a prices for limes that are “through the roof”. This is according to David Velez, sales manager of Ecuadorian exporter Roses & Fresh Fruits by Ayelen Living Memories. However, the demand in international markets for exotics that include pineapples, and granadillas and yellow dragon fruit are a bit lower at the moment he says.
He says the have Tahiti limes available with high prices in Ecuador. “We have Tahiti limes of which the price is through the roof here in Ecuador, since the kg price is over $2.62. We also have Meyer lemon, at a little lower cost per kg of $1.70. Here in Ecuador the price is high because there is not much production at the moment.”
“The pineapple production is starting to increase these days. The cost per kilo is around $0.75 cents. Demand is a little low but hopefully it will improve at the end of this month. We also have passion fruit for export but this is a little lower production. 1,000 to 2,000 kg are removed every 15 days with good quality,” states Velez.
They also export papaya to world markets due to Ecuador’s ideal climate for growing a range of exotic fruit. “Our granadilla, pineapple and other fruit are all good to export to Germany. It can be exported to Sweden, Canada, Spain and several other countries too. We can supply two containers of pineapple every 15 days. The current price is $7 for a 2 kg box of passion fruit.”
Velez says they have to be careful when sending fruit to customers abroad, who only want to pay after shipments arrived. “There is a lot of risk for us to send product to customers who only want to pay afterwards when it arrives, they know that it is a good product and nothing comes out of here on credit.”
For more information:
David Velez
Roses & Fresh Fruits by Ayelen Living Memories
Tel: +593 99 637 1030
E-mail: [email protected]