Ecuador makes first fruit exports to Argentina

Ecuador has carried out its first fruit shipments to Argentina. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) said a consignment of 24 tonnes of Hass avocado and 11.5 tonnes of red dragon fruit – both of which are considered “strategic” for the country, were sent to the South American country.

Marco Oviedo, vice minister of rural development, said the opening of this new export destination for these fruits is the result of joint work between the private sector and the public sector, especially Agrocalidad, the national authority in charge of regulating and controlling animal and plant health and food safety.

Agrocalidad’s executive director, Patricio Almeida, noted that the step was good news for the country’s small producers.

The MAG said the shipment “boosts the Ecuadorian fruit and vegetable sector, generating opportunities for local producers and contributing to the economic growth of the country”. It hopes that export volumes will increase in the coming months greater.

According to the ministry, there are currently more than 7,000ha of avocado plantations in Ecuador, as well as more than 8,000ha of dragon fruit. In 2024 the country exported 2,788 tonnes of avocados to 12 markets, while 47,798 tonnes of dragon fruit was sent to 20 markets worldwide.