Agzulasa Cia. Ltda., operating under its flagship brand Ecuasabor, is a leading Ecuadorian producer and global exporter of premium bananas and plantains. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Samborondón, Guayaquil, the company is widely recognized for its vertically integrated operations, sustainable farming practices, and export excellence in the global fresh fruit industry.
Core Business
Agzulasa's core business revolves around the cultivation, post-harvest processing, and international distribution of tropical bananas. The company owns and manages plantations across Ecuador’s coastal region—particularly in El Oro and Guayas provinces—renowned for optimal banana-growing conditions. Agzulasa has developed robust infrastructure to control quality from field to port, ensuring reliability and consistency across all shipments.
Product and Service Offerings
Agzulasa exports several banana varieties tailored to international markets:
- Cavendish Bananas: The main commercial variety exported to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Red Bananas: A premium tropical variety targeted toward gourmet and health-conscious markets.
- Baby Bananas: Also known as “Orito,” favored for their sweetness and compact size.
- Plantains: Exported both green and ripe for cooking purposes, primarily to the U.S. and Latin American markets.
The company offers a range of packaging solutions from 13.5 kg to 18.14 kg boxes, customized according to the requirements of supermarkets, distributors, and wholesalers.
Specialization and Core USP
Agzulasa distinguishes itself with its:
- Fully Integrated Supply Chain: Managing its own farms, packhouses, logistics, and shipping coordination.
- Brand Portfolio Strategy: Strong branding under “Ecuasabor,” “Akebana,” and “Kassandra,” allowing it to cater to diverse retail segments globally.
- Sustainability Commitment: Certified organic farms, efficient water usage, and responsible pest control are part of the company’s agricultural standards.
- Flexibility in Market-Specific Labeling and Logistics: Adaptable export documentation and compliance systems allow quick market adaptation.
This end-to-end control not only improves traceability but also minimizes post-harvest losses and ensures product freshness upon arrival.
Financial and Shipment Data
Agzulasa is a high-volume exporter, ranking among Ecuador’s top 100 banana exporters according to data from Ecuador’s Ministry of Agriculture and trade platforms:
- Annual Export Volume: Exceeds 2.2 million banana boxes per year.
- Main Markets: Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East, Europe (Germany, Italy, Spain), and China.
- Monthly Shipments: Averaging 180–200 containers/month during peak seasons.
- Revenue Estimate (2023): Between $45–$50 million, based on export volume and market pricing trends.
- Brand Distribution:
- Ecuasabor: Premium and supermarket category.
- Akebana: Value retail and foodservice channel.
- Kassandra: Private-label partnerships and specialty market clients.
The company has shown year-on-year growth in export volume, especially in Eastern European and Gulf regions, where demand for premium bananas continues to rise.
Capabilities
- Processing Facilities: Equipped with automated wash lines, hydro-cooling systems, and ripening chambers.
- Cold Chain Logistics: Maintains an uninterrupted temperature-controlled chain from packhouse to shipping ports.
- Traceability Systems: All boxes are QR-coded and traceable to origin farms, enabling transparent quality audits.
- Sourcing Flexibility: Apart from its owned farms, Agzulasa partners with certified third-party growers under strict quality protocols.
Certifications and Compliance
Agzulasa meets rigorous international food safety and sustainability standards, holding the following certifications:
- GlobalG.A.P. – for good agricultural practices.
- GRASP – for social responsibility at the farm level.
- Rainforest Alliance – indicating sustainable farming and ecosystem protection.
- Fairtrade Certification – for selected farm partners.
- BASC (Business Alliance for Secure Commerce) – for secure logistics and anti-smuggling measures.
These certifications ensure compliance with import regulations in Europe, North America, and Asia, and support long-term partnerships with global retail chains.
Target Market
Agzulasa targets:
- Importers and Distributors in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Supermarket Chains and Wholesalers looking for consistent, high-quality banana supplies.
- Foodservice Providers and tropical fruit brands sourcing organic or specialty varieties.
- Private Label Retailers requiring customizable packaging, labeling, and quality specifications.
The company’s flexibility in shipment volumes and market-specific quality grading has made it a trusted supplier for diverse international clients.
Major Achievements
- Exported to over 30 countries across five continents.
- Achieved zero rejections in EU border phytosanitary inspections in the last five years.
- Among the first Ecuadorian banana exporters to implement Rainforest Alliance–certified digital farm monitoring.
- Expanded operations into China and the Gulf markets with tailored packaging and ripeness programs.
- Maintained long-term supply contracts with key European retailers, reducing price volatility risks.
Agzulasa Cia. Ltda. continues to embody excellence in banana production and export from Ecuador—combining tradition, technology, and traceability to meet the evolving needs of the global fresh fruit market.