Quality never happens by accident. It is the result of a thoughtful strategy, close cooperation, and direct contact with the source.
Representatives of the Derby brand have successfully concluded our visit to the central global hub of the banana industry – the 23rd International Banana Time Guayaquil 2026 Congress, which took place at the Hilton Colón Hotel in Ecuador.
The event, organized by the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE), represents the pinnacle of the industry’s annual events. For our brand, it carried even greater weight, as Ecuador serves as a key pillar of our supply chain.
Ecuador: a global giant and the heart of our supply
To truly understand the importance of this visit, it is worth highlighting a few remarkable figures:
Did you know?
Ecuador is the world’s largest exporter of bananas, accounting for more than 25% of total global banana exports. Banana exports generate over USD 3.5 billion annually for the Ecuadorian economy, while the country’s plantations produce fruit of distinctive, premium taste and exceptional texture thanks to its unique microclimate and rich soil.
For this reason, Ecuadorian growers and exporters are our most important strategic partners. We believe that comprehensive quality control for Derby bananas does not begin in distribution centers or on retail shelves, but directly on the plantations.
📑 Conference program: a comprehensive insight into the entire value chain
The diverse content of the conference offered a deep insight into modern agronomic, health, and logistical challenges facing the global banana sector. Discussions and expert lectures covered the entire production and export cycle – from soil management on plantations to final delivery to customers in international markets.
In agronomy and sustainable plantation management, speakers highlighted the importance of modern technologies, such as satellite crop monitoring and advanced yield modeling. Special attention was devoted to optimizing plant nutrition based on detailed foliar soil analyses, as well as strategies for managing root systems during adverse weather events like El Niño. Addressing the economic aspect and packaging costs, experts also presented conditions for securing sustainable financing and driving the green transition in agriculture.
Parallel to agronomy, a strong emphasis was placed on plant health, biosecurity, and resistance development. The latest breakthroughs in genomic tools and microbial antagonists were presented in the fight against devastating diseases such as Fusarium TR4 and bacterial wilt (moko). Participants thoroughly examined strict biosecurity protocols on farms and in packing stations, alongside strategies for managing Black Sigatoka amidst increasingly restrictive international regulations on plant protection products. Furthermore, advancements in breeding new, more resistant banana varieties and the conditions for introducing them to the market were showcased.
A crucial section for our business focused on logistics, post-harvest handling, and international compliance. Discussions covered cargo integrity and security along the maritime route, capacity optimization and costs of reefer freight, as well as preventive measures against post-harvest diseases (such as crown rot). Special attention was given to meeting increasingly stringent international regulatory requirements – ranging from maximum residue limits and supplier due diligence to ensuring a living wage.
🤝 Key highlights of the visit: partnership, knowledge, and future vision
Our presence at the Banana Time Congress was not merely about following global trends, but primarily about active work on the ground and direct dialogue with our key suppliers.
We utilized the visit for three core objectives:
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Strengthening personal ties and knowledge sharing: we exchanged valuable field insights with our long-standing Ecuadorian partners, reviewed the progress of the current season, and shared best practices in agronomy, harvesting, and packaging.
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Outlining Guidelines for Future Cooperation: together, we aligned procurement supply routes and established solid foundations for long-term supply stability. The core objective of all agreements remains unchanged: ensuring seamless and consistent quality of Derby bananas for our customers.
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Adapting to Industry Challenges: the insights gained from the conference allow us, together with our partners, to take timely action in response to climate, logistical, and regulatory shifts in the market.
🚢 From Ecuador to you: a commitment to the highest standards
Every Derby banana undergoes a long journey where every detail matters – from careful cultivation on sunny Ecuadorian plantations and proper cooling during maritime transport to controlled ripening.
With our visit to Guayaquil, we reaffirmed our commitment to making no compromises on quality. We return home enriched with new insights, reinforced partnerships, and a clear plan to continue delivering premium products in the future.
