Richard Salazar, executive director of the Ecuadorian Banana Marketing and Export Association (Acorbanec) and organizer of the Banana Business 2024 Convention, to be held in Machala, said the event would also serve as a platform to foster strategic alliances, close businesses, and promote Ecuadorian bananas. Ricardo Umpierrez, president of Acorbanec, highlighted the importance of the event to highlight the Ecuadorian bananas' compliance with more than nine international certifications, emphasizing the adaptation to the requirements of demanding markets and the promotion of shared responsibility with international buyers.
The event is taking place in the context of a slight recovery of the Ecuadorian banana sector. From January to September 2024, Ecuador exported 274.39 million boxes of bananas, i.e. 0.50% more than in the same period in 2023. The European Union continues to be the main destination, absorbing 29.93% of total exports, followed by Russia with 18.23%, the Middle East with 13.48%, and the United States with 12.13%. Other key markets are the Southern Cone with 6.76% and Africa with 5.86%.
Despite the weather challenges that have affected the physiological development of the crops and reduced yields, the sector has achieved a slight growth in exports thanks to new crops that entered production this year. The Banana Business 2024 Convention will have 50 exhibitors and be sponsored by major companies, making it an exceptional platform to showcase trends and innovations, and forge strategic alliances in Machala, the banana capital of the world. The event will take place at the same time that the region is celebrating the bicentennial of Machala's cantonization.
Source: eluniverso.com