Ecuador reassures Europe of continued fruit supply

Pro-Ecuador announces that the Ecuadorian fresh fruit trade remains open for business in spite of the difficulties posed by the global coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Harvesting, packing and shipping to Europe and across the world continue to operate safely, and as normal as possible under the circumstances.

Although all ports in Ecuador are 100% operational, some shipments of fruit have encountered delays, compounded by a reduced frequency of services on the part of shipping lines.

All Ecuadorian food export sectors, especially bananas, remain operational. To date, fresh produce suppliers have managed to maintain their operations; locating immediate cover to mitigate any labor loss due to self-isolation during the health emergency.

At the same time, Ecuadorian agricultural businesses continue to comply with international biosecurity and safety standards for the export trade, as well as internal food supply. This guarantees both the health of workers, and the continued strict sanitary control of products in production, transportation, and supply.

Additionally, new asepsis regulations have been incorporated by Ecuador’s agricultural sector, including disinfection arches and the use of antiseptic products recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for cleaning and decontaminating containers entering the country, and those used for exports.

Juan Carlos Yépez Franco, Trade Commissioner of Ecuador for the PRO ECUADOR Trade Office in London and Hamburg, explains: “This is an unprecedented situation throughout the globe but we wish to reassure our customers that Ecuador will not stop exporting; we will continue to supply high quality, safe food to our markets in the UK, across Europe, and worldwide. Ecuador plays an important role in the global produce supply chain, and we remain open for business.”

Despite the lockdown on public life, all of Ecuador’s food production and export sectors (bananas, exotics, cacao, coffee, flowers, prawns, tuna, ports, and customs) are functioning. Food and logistics employees have special permits to go to work, just the same as health professionals, the police, and the army.

Following a spike in demand for food caused by consumer panic buying at the beginning of the pandemic, more recently Ecuador has experienced a small reduction in fresh produce orders.

For more information, download this video (in English and Spanish) from the Ecuador Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

About Pro Ecuador is the promotional arm for exports and investment of Ecuador’s Vice-Ministry for Export and Investment Promotion, and Ecuador’s Ministry for Production, International Trade, Investment and Fishery. PRO ECUADOR operates a network of trade offices worldwide. www.proecuador.gob.ec

For more information and photos, please contact:

Juan Carlos Yépez Franco

Trade Commissioner of Ecuador / Pro Ecuador

Email: jyepezf@produccion.gob.ec