Dragon fruit from Ecuador continues to be in demand despite the warmer climate that is impacting harvest volumes. David Velez, sales manager of Ecuadorian exporter Roses & Fresh Fruits by Ayelen Living Memories, says, "At this time, the yellow dragon fruit production has been going through a period of drought that lowered production volumes. In general volumes reduced by 40% to 45%."
The dragon fruit from Ecuador is exported to Europe, the U.S. and Asian markets. "For the European and American markets prices are normal but slightly higher for the Asian market. The prices fluctuate for each box of 2.5 kg. Calibres 5-9 are going for $9.5 per box of 2.5 kg and calibre 10-12 for $7.5 per box of 2.5 kg's."
His company also grow and export papaya. "Besides papayas we source and export baby mango, the Mangifera Indica variety, as well as yellow dragon fruit. We work with a range of small growers across Ecuador, but mainly those whose farms are situated in Costa, Oriente and Sierra."
Velez says their dragon fruit is popular in Spain, Holland and several other countries. "We send it both by air and sea. Ecuadorian fruit is generally sought after all over the world for its colour and concentration of flavours because it is in the middle of the world."
For more information:
David Velez
Roses & Fresh Fruits by Ayelen Living Memories
Tel: +593 99 637 1030
E-mail: [email protected]