Eleven companies from the banana sector were awarded on the night of April 19 during the second edition of Banana Awars, organized by the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE).

The event, which took place at the Teatro Sánchez Aguilar in Samborondón, also coincided with good export figures for the sector, which recorded a slight increase of 302,000 boxes (0.34%) in week 12 compared to the same period in 2022.

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Meanwhile, the event highlighted the commitment of companies in the sector to promote innovative and sustainable practices in order for fruit to participate competitively in international markets. These practices were reflected in the categories awarded by AEBE that evening: Economic-Financial Performance and Sustainability.

In addition, companies from other areas of activity such as logistics, inputs, gender equality, among others, were recognized. The union pointed out that the audit of the awards was carried out by Deloitte International Consulting.

Reybanpac thus received the highest award as the best company with export results. It also won awards for financial stability and market diversification in the economic-financial performance category.

In the same category, Freskbana won the Export Efficiency award; and Agzulas the one about opening potential markets.

Meanwhile, in the Sustainability category, the company Orodelti won two awards: the highest award with a mention in Sustainable Development and the second in Sustainability with a mention in the Management of Sustainable Actions. In the same category, the company Jasafrut won the award for sustainability with mention of gender equality.

Companies in the value chain were also recognized:

Marinela Ubilla, president of the AEBE Board of Directors, pointed out that the Banana Awards show that in Ecuador there is development, innovation, social programs, environmental protection, excellent administration, adaptation to the changing taste of consumers, and above all, the promotion of the sector with the goals of the sustainable development program 2030.

For his part, José Antonio Hidalgo, executive director of AEBE, explained that the sector is committed to promoting sustainable and egalitarian practices.

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“This allows us to offer the world a product that respects the environment and contributes to the economy and society in general,” said the presenter, who pointed out that the Banana Awards are part of the strategic agenda of the Union, which will soon hold another iconic event for this industry: the International Banana Convention, which celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year.