Ecuadorian producers are optimistic about the start of the 2021 table grape season, which will start in July. Exports of this product have registered a notable advance since Ecuador made its first export to Colombia in 2011. In 2020, the country exported 557.58 tons of table grapes abroad, i.e. 29.88% more than in the previous year.
According to data from the Association of Grape Producers of Ecuador (Apruec), a union formed in 2018 and that currently represents five table grape producing companies, the country's main destination market is currently England, which in 2020 received 250 tons, followed by the European Union, which imported 166.5 tons. Other destinations of relevance for Ecuadorian grapes are Russia, Dubai, and Qatar.
Anthony Escudero, the director of Apruec, said that Ecuador has almost 200 hectares of grape cultivation, 80% of which is concentrated in the province of Santa Elena. Currently, 8 varieties are being developed for commercial purposes nationwide: RedGlobe, SweetGlobe, Arra 15 and 32, Allison, Ivory, Jack's Salute, and Sweet Celebration. One of the member companies is developing a Test Block in one hectare, where they are testing more than 20 varieties to see how well they adapt to the climates and soils of the Santa Elena area. The goal is to continue with the development and increase the surface of profitable varieties in Ecuador, stated Escudero.
An analysis carried out in conjunction with the public sector in 2019 revealed that Ecuadorians consumed 1.13 kg/year of grapes per capita and that between 2019 and 2020 imports of table grapes from Chile, the United States, Mexico, and Italy had increased by 20.13%.
According to estimates, Ecuador will produce 3,000 tons of grapes this year, i.e. 500 to 600 tons more than last year. The industry expects to sell eight containers of table grapes in the local market, i.e. approximately 18,250 boxes, Escudero stated.
The companies in the sector are constantly looking for new markets to place the fruit and they are taking care of the markets they have managed to open, said the director of Apruec. One of the challenges to maintain and open new markets is to replace or diversify chemical products with organic products, as the phytosanitary requirements of the destination countries, such as the European markets, require minimizing the use of chemicals or reducing the doses of certain molecules, he added.
Source: eluniverso.com
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