In the 1950´s Ecuador became the number one exporter of bananas, covering 12% of the global demand. Ever since, the excellent quality, long shelf life and the particular flavour of Ecuadorian bananas became the global trademark of our fruit.

Nowadays, Ecuadorian bananas cover 29% of the world trade, despite the great distances between Ecuador and the consumer markets. Almost one out of every three bananas sold worldwide come from our fertile soils.

Currently some 6,800 independent producers are dedicated to the banana growing on more than 250,000 hectares.

Durexporta is a family company dedicated to the growing and exporting of her own exotic fruits, bananas being one of them. We also attend to a group of excellent growers to help them export their fresh produce through us. We are committed to consistent quality and quantity, environmental conservation and social responsibility. This commitment of ours is awarded with GlobalG.A.P. and primusGFS certifications. We have great experience in the export of first class bananas to all corners of the world. Our Group covers about 1,500 hectares producing approximately 70,000 boxes per week on average.

Our final product is the best proof of our high quality standards implemented throughout the production chain. It is the result of our commitment to continuously improve our practices , starting with precise soil management, upholding a good drainage system, adequate fertilization, stem protection, phytosanitary control, correct harvesting, clean processing and precise packaging .

Independent quality inspectors are overlooking the correct and efficient execution of all aspects from harvest to the loading of the containers with our boxes of bananas.

• At first, the inspectors perform a field audit authorizing or suspending the entire packing process, depending on the many requirements that need to be fulfilled before initiating the harvest, the processing and the packaging of our fruit.

• Each harvested bunch of bananas is carefully placed in a cradle before being hung on the transportation cable. The stem of the bunch is covered to prevent the dripping of latex during transit of the bunch to the processing plant and packing-house.

• Once arrived at the processing plant, the fruit is de-flowered washed with high-pressure water cleaners, “de-handed” or clustered and placed into the water tank.

• In the water tank, full hands are cut into clusters and these are being selected depending on the box type to be used. The fruit that does not meet our high quality requirements will be rejected. Afterwards, clusters are placed in the de-latex tank.

• After meeting the recommended time in the de-latex tank the fruit is sorted by size and then placed on trays to be weighted.

• After been weighted, the fruit is fumigated to prevent the proliferation of fungi and premature ripening.

• Consequently, the respective etiquettes are placed on the fruit before it proceeds to the packing area.

• Once carefully packed in boxes, loading the containers with our boxes palletized or in bulk, finishes the process at the farm.

WHY OPT FOR THE ECUADORIAN BANANA ?

CLIMATE 

SOIL

Deep volcanic soils, rich in organic matter.

FUMIGATION

Lesser number of fumigation cycles needed: some 15 to 20 cycles compared to 55 cycles in the Central American Countries and up to 75 cycles in the Philippines. Meaning that the Ecuadorian banana is a more environmentally friendly fruit and obviously much healthier for the final consumer.

Absence of damaging meteorological phenomena like hurricanes, cyclones, heavy winds and torrential rains. This combined with the little difference between maximum and minimum temperatures during the year and between day and night and the great luminosity (Equator) promotes consistency in quality and quantity year-round: Excellent taste, good sizes, nice colour and great pulp firmness.

THE FRUIT

Because of the thicker peel and more firm pulp of the Ecuadorian Cavendish Banana, the fruit travels very well to far away places, by sea and over land, ensuring the retailer an extended shelf-life and less waste.

Bananas are an excellent source of Vitamin B6 and Soluble Fiber, and they contain significant amounts of Vitamin C, Manganese and Potassium.

Bananas also boost fat burning. They contain resistant starch, a fiber whose digestive by-products block conversion of some carbohydrates into fuel, forcing your body to rely on fat stores instead.

BANANAS

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy 371 kJ (89 kcal)

Carbohydrates 22.84 g - Sugars 12.23 g - Dietary fiber 2.6 g Fat 0.33 g Protein 1.09 g Vitamin A equiv. 3 μg (0%) Thiamine (vit. B1) 0.031 mg (3%) Riboflavin (vit. B2) 0.073 mg (6%) Niacin (vit. B3) 0.665 mg (4%) Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.334 mg (7%) Vitamin B6 0.4 mg (31%) Folate (vit. B9) 20 μg (5%) Choline 9.8 mg (2%) Vitamin C 8.7 mg (10%) Calcium 5 mg (1%) Iron 0.26 mg (2%) Magnesium 27 mg (8%) Manganese 0.3 mg (14%) Phosphorus 22 mg (3%) Potassium 358 mg (8%)

Zinc 0.15 mg (2%)

Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults.

Source: USDA Nutrient Database