Ecuador exported a massive 17,895 tons of pitahaya in 2021, exceeding by 60% more than that exported in 2020

The fruit was exported to 27 international destinations. Morona Santiago accounts for 65% of production sites nationwide.

Ecuador exported 60% more pitahaya in 2021, reported the Agency for Regulation and Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Control – Agrocalidad. There are 17,895 tons of the fruit that were shipped in 5,975 trips certified by the agency. In 2020, 11,260 tons were exported.

Pitahaya has been shipped to 27 countries around the world

The fruit was shipped to 27 countries around the world, with the United States being the largest destination market, with just over 84%, followed by Colombia and Singapore with 5.4% and 2.7%, respectively. Phytosanitary requirements are currently in place for exporting this fruit to 54 countries.

Agrocalidad reported that until December 31, 2021, 2,051 pitahaya production sites for export are registered, located in 21 provinces nationwide. Morona Santiago has 65% of these registered production sites, followed by Manabí with 8% and Pichincha with 5.5%.

Production sites are monitored to avoid the presence of fruit flies on pitahayas

These production sites are monitored to avoid the presence of fruit flies as part of the Operational Work Plan signed between Ecuador and the United States, which also requires that all fruit exported to the United States from Ecuador be processed within registered collection centers approved as pest exclusion structures. The Agency has 167 collection centers that meet these conditions, distributed in nine provinces:

• Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas: 2
• Pastaza: 2
• Cotopaxi: 3
• Tungurahua: 4
• Los Ríos: 7
• Manabí: 12
• Guayas: 15
• Pichincha: 42
• Morona Santiago: 80

The phytosanitary inspections were carried out in the collection centers of the 9 provinces by 21 phytosanitary inspectors who verify that the fruit complies with the phytosanitary conditions required by the importing countries, prior to the issuance of the Phytosanitary Export Certificates.

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