"Ecuador has many opportunities to become an agroexport investment destination: its land is fertile, it has a favorable climate, its geographic location allows for the development of competitive fruits, and it has skilled labor."
Ecuador is now officially on the international market for blueberries after a five-ton shipment exported by sea, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) confirmed.
The agency reported that the fruits were produced in the canton of Zapotillo, Loja province. The first crops were grown in 2015, by a small group of entrepreneurs. There are currently 23 members that make up the Ecuadorian Federation of Producers and Exporters of blueberries (Fepexa). The first crop, produced by the agro-exporting trust Nobis, will come from ten hectares planted in the town of Patate.
A GROWING MARKET
"Ecuador has many opportunities to become an investment destination for agroexport: its land is fertile, it has a favorable climate, its geographic location allows for the development of competitive fruits, and it has a skilled workforce," said Patricio Almeida, executive director of the Agency for Phytosanitary and Animal Health Regulation and Control(Agrocalidad).
About 50 hectares are dedicated to this crop in Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Azuay and Loja. Meanwhile, trials and tests are being conducted on different varieties in Santa Elena, El Oro and Manabí.
A NEW FRONTIER
"With this expedition, Ecuador begins its journey to venture into the international market at blueberry. This crop is gaining strength for its medicinal and nutritional properties: they are low in calories, high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C and K. In addition, blueberry juice protects the immune system. As a fruit with many health benefits, its fresh and delicious taste is known as 'the superfruit of the 21st century,'" said the executive.
Eight exporting companies are already finding success in 2022. The fruit is exported to Spain, Holland, and Germany. Although the main producer and importer of blueberries in the world is the United States, there are important producers in Latin America, such as Peru and Chile. Meanwhile, in Ecuador, MAG has assured that it is strengthening the supply chain of blueberries, in a joint effort with Fepexa.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock also indicated that it is organizing export training courses, especially in Imbabura and Carchi provinces, with the support of private companies.
Source: Fresh Fruit Portal
Photo: Fepexa
