Ecuador, the world's leading banana exporter, opened 2025 with a 2.43% increase in its banana exports compared to January of the previous year, according to the Ecuadorian Banana Exporters Association (AEBE).

Ecuador benefits from favorable weather conditions and strong demand in the Hispanic market, especially in the United States and Europe, where Latino consumers seek products that remind them of traditional flavors.

In Ecuador, the banana, locally known as "guineo" or "plátano," is much more than just a simple fruit. It is an essential ingredient in the national cuisine and plays a prominent role in various traditional dishes that reflect the country’s rich gastronomic culture.