In five years, Acorbanec already represents 38% of Ecuador’s banana exports

With 38% of the country’s banana exports, through the 50 companies it represents, the Banana Marketing and Export Association (Acorbanec) last Wednesday completed five years since it obtained its legal status, on November 10, 2016, at the Ministry of Foreign Trade.

Its CEO, Richard Salazar, He recalled that the union began with 16 members and assured that its dynamic growth is supported by the services it provides, such as commercial intelligence, the opening of markets, a documentary and statistical center, as well as support for the sustainable and sustainable production of Fruit.

Ecuadorian bananas are sold abroad with more than 50 brands

Before, a tax of up to 2% was paid on the FOB price; now it is about the differential, minus the minimum price of support of the producer; on that basis, up to 3% is paid. Additionally, we achieved a tax incentive for the producer who has certification in good agricultural practices from Agrocalidad; those who have it pay up to 50% less tax ”, Salazar highlighted as one of the achievements of the union, which is also one of the main actors in the creation of the Ecuador Banana Cluster, in which unions from the entire chain participate.

The association has also signed strategic agreements to advise its partners on technical and financial matters. One of them is with Coface, which allows members to access credit insurance to support the payment of the fruit and have information on the commercial behavior of customers abroad.

Salazar added that they continue to work on environmentally friendly production, which is why they have supported the financing of a study with the University of California Davis to promote sustainability in banana crops.

In addition, he stressed that in the union more than half of its partners are also producers.

Exporters do not want to argue with producers and hope that the price of $ 6.25 for bananas will be formalized to start with the signing of contracts

“That is to say, we are reducing those distances that existed a few years ago, that antagonism between producers and exporters, and gradually reducing it to its maximum expression for the good of the activity,” said the leader, who explained that in the short term Acorbanec is committed to promoting a Comprehensive regulatory change that helps the sector to promote competitiveness according to the current reality of the markets, and continue to support banana marketers. (I)