The Association of Ecuadorian Banana Exporters (AEBE) held their XX (20th) International Convention, Banana Time 2023, at the Hilton Colón Hotel in Guayaquil last week, from 24 to 27 October, 2023.
The theme of the convention was focused on the sustainability, safety, phytosanitary protection, production and consumer trends in international markets, labor relations and the projected performance of the business for the year 2024.
Banana producers, exporters, service providers and industry associations from neighbouring banana producing countries attended the conference too. They discussed and are concerned about the effects of the El Niño and La Niña climate phenomena in Ecuador and the region, as well as initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint and water use in banana production.
Marianela Ubilla, President of the Board of Directors of the AEBE, opened the convention, by highlighting that the key role of the meeting is to promote agreements in the purchase, sale of products, services and processes in the banana sector. “This product shows an increase of 7% in exports in volume and 18% in FOB dollars compared to the same period in 2022, which shows that today more than ever, it is time for Ecuadorian bananas.”
During several visits to different banana farms in Ecuador producers showed the many efforts they make into ensuring working conditions for farm labourers are not only up to standard but that they pay above the minimum wage and do so much more.
A few producers said the following: “In Ecuador paying the minimum wage is not an issue, we are paying above that because these are specialist jobs and we want to attract and retain the best talent. What we need is better prices for our bananas from markets in order to maintain all the inputs and global certification requirements by especially the European markets.”
Other initiatives include providing on-site nurses, regular doctor visits to the farms, schooling and training support. The banana cluster in Machala also supports and funds a hospital that provides subsidised medical care, not only for the banana workers and their families, but also for the greater community. The empowerment of women through equal pay for similar jobs, training as well as the provision of psychological support was another aspect highlighted during the visits.
For more information:
AEBE
Tel: +593 96 402 9141
Email: [email protected]
www.aebe.com.ec