The start of this export season in Ecuador hasn't gone exactly as expected. Production shifted between eight and ten weeks, concentrating a significant portion of the volume in the first quarter. This was compounded by a mini-drought in December, further disrupting the schedule. The result has been a slower start, with January still progressing with low volumes and a feeling that the real activity won't begin until February.

Everything indicates that the campaign will pick up speed around weeks five and six, with a strong push through February and March. Interestingly, the international situation has been favorable. Although Colombia has made significant exports, the volumes haven't been enough to meet European demand week after week. This has allowed prices to remain high for this time of year, something that doesn't always happen and, if sustained, could make this a particularly interesting campaign.

Beyond the numbers, there's one sign that inspires optimism: the fruit. The first shipments confirmed what had been projected since the second half of last year. We're seeing fruit in better condition, with less waste and a greater presence of large and medium sizes. This is a clear contrast to the previous season, which was marked by weather problems and a higher proportion of small sizes.

This same strong export performance, however, has had a direct impact on the local market. With more fruit being shipped abroad, domestic supply has tightened more than usual for this time of year, and prices haven't fallen as they typically do in December or January. The challenge, as a sector, lies in finding the balance: serving export markets well without neglecting local consumption, in a context where not all farms have the capacity to supply both markets.

And as if that weren't enough, the logistical factor comes into play again. February and March coincide with the most demanding weeks for the availability of refrigerated containers from Ecuador, in full competition with other export products, in a global scenario that remains fragile. It's the start of a campaign that requires constant attention, careful decision-making, and close coordination, where industry players with greater experience in sales, logistics, and packaging will have to contend with those who are not specialized in fruit, as well as smaller and new players.

Santiago Pinto
Director Iteranza
spinto@interanza.com
Ecuador