The first purchases of Ecuadorean bananas from national producers under new set prices should take place as of this weekend.
According to a report by El Universo, Ecuador’s agriculture minister Javier Ponce announced in mid-December an increase in the price of a 41.5lb box of bananas from US$5.50 to US$6, with the price of a 43lb box going up to US$6.22.
Despite the new prices, some growers remain concerned, with one representative claiming there are not enough controls for compliance with the official prices, the report said.
Julio Cruz, a representative from the producing sector, said there are some producers who have signed contracts for 43lb boxes but are only receiving US$6 per box.
Crucially, Cruz claims producers will not report the issue for fear of losing their capacity to export.
Apparently the situation for Ecuador’s banana producers varies depending on the exporters with which they are dealing, according to the report.
Furthermore, other industry traders have pointed out that there are some growers who do not wish to sign contracts since next month prices on the spot market will reportedly rise above US$6 per box.
