The high season of Ecuador papaya production is underway with normal stable demand and sales in the US and European markets. David Velez, sales manager of Ecuadorian exporter Roses & Fresh Fruits by Ayelen Living Memories, says his country’s climate remains ideal for growing this exotic fruit.
“Papaya is a fruit that is consumed by all people and production is normal in our country Ecuador, which has a good climate. Demand and prices in these markets are normal. It is exported to Europe, Canada and the United States at a price of $1.20 per kg.,” says Velez.
They grow the papaya on 10 hectares. They have two papaya varieties namely Camila and Hawaiian, which can be made into 17 containers of 280 kg each. Production is 3,840 boxes of 4.5 kg each.
Velez says they also work with a range of small farmers throughout Ecuador but mainly those who are situated in Costa, Oriente and Sierra. Besides papayas they source and export baby mango, the mangifera indica variety, as well as yellow dragon fruit.
“We specialise in fruit, from seed to its commercialisation. We are an export company that also trades in Ecuador’s specialised exotic fruit like granadilla, physalis, cactus figs, purple passion fruit, tamarillo and Hass avocado. The small farmers we source from work under fair trade policies while applying good agricultural practices.”
“In my country we can have papaya all year round, in the months of January to June is the high production season. During the months of July to December is the low production season. We currently have capacity available for orders from markets,” states Velez.
For more information:
David Velez
Roses & Fresh Fruits by Ayelen Living Memories
Tel: +593 99 637 1030
E-mail: d.velez@rosesbyayelen.com