2. In the 1950´s Ecuador became the largest banana producer in the world and 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 7.000 producers cultivate banana in Ecuador on some 200.000 hectares. In 2015, some 310 million boxes of Fresh Banana were exported, approximately 6,3 million tons: 68% was exported to Europe, 22% to America and some 8% to Asia.

3. Durexporta is a family company dedicated to the growing and exporting of 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 year-round, environmental conservation and social responsibility. This commitment of ours is awarded with GlobalG.A.P., primusGFS and Rainforest Alliance certifications. We have a great track record 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.

5. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

12. 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.

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

15. Deep volcanic soils, rich in organic matter gives the Ecuadorian banana an excellent taste, good sizes, nice colour and great pulp firmness. Absence of damaging meteorological phenomena like hurricanes, cyclones, heavy winds and torrential rains. This combined with the little differences between maximum and minimum temperatures during the year and between day and night promotes consistency in quality and quantity, year-round. Why Ecuadorian Bananas are the Very Best in the World

16. Full of nutrition, bananas make the perfect, healthy snack. In fact, they are one of the only foods that contain six major vitamin groups – vitamin B6, vitamin C, as well as minerals such as potassium and manganese. Additionally, bananas are a great source of dietary fiber and good carbs, or “resistant starch” (RS). Slightly under ripe, bananas have 12.5 grams of RS—more than most other foods. Ripe bananas give you 4.7 grams of RS, making bananas nature’s very own healthy “pick-me-up” snack.

17. 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) Carbohydrates22.84 g - Sugars12.23 g - Dietary fiber2.6 g Fat0.33 g Protein1.09 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 B60.4 mg (31%) Folate (vit. B9)20 μg (5%) Choline9.8 mg (2%) Vitamin C8.7 mg (10%) Calcium5 mg (1%) Iron0.26 mg (2%) Magnesium27 mg (8%) Manganese0.3 mg (14%) Phosphorus22 mg (3%) Potassium358 mg (8%) Zinc0.15 mg (2%) Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database