Ecuadorian Dragon Fruit Exports Increase by 58.9% in 2021

According to the Ecuadorian Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control Agency (Agrocalidad), Ecuador exported 17,895 tons of dragon fruit in 2021, which represents a 58.9% increase from 2020 when the export volume was 11,260 tons. Ecuador exported dragon fruit to over 27 countries, and the main export markets include the United States with an 84% market share, Colombia with a 5.4% market share, and Singapore with a 2.7% market share.

Source: Agrocalidad Ecuador

Since 2016, dragon fruit production in Ecuador has increased rapidly, positioning the country as a top global exporter. According to Tridge’s Engagement Manager in Ecuador, Pedro Angel, due to the increase in global demand for dragon fruit, some producers saw the opportunity to increase their production area, and others decided to switch the fruit they currently produce to dragon fruit. Predictions state that by 2022, the Ecuadorian dragon fruit production area will increase by 1,000ha, and exports will rise by 40%. By 2027, it is predicted that dragon fruit production in Ecuador will reach 60,421,714 tons, of which 70% will be exported. The increase in production will be mainly divided among the three main production states, Morona Santiago, Manabi, and Pichincha.

The increase in production has not been all positive for producers as the price of dragon fruit has decreased due to the increased supply. Some producers request that the government establish a floor price of USD 2.50/kg to compensate for the increase in production costs, while others disagree because a floor export price would decrease market competitiveness. Instead, producers are asking the government to sign free trade agreements to increase demand.

The Ecuadorian government is signing free trade agreements to increase fruit exports. The first weekend of February, President Guillermo Lasso signed a free trade agreement with China that includes dragon fruit. According to El Universo, at the moment, 80 producers are certified to export dragon fruit to China, and it is predicted that 500 producers will be certified until June. Producers expect this free trade agreement will generate exports to China that reach 45,000 tons annually, triple the volume the United States currently imports. Other growing markets include the European Union where exotic fruits have gained popularity. Producers predict that dragon fruit will become a sought-after fruit in Europe and many other markets in the next few years.