Pitafresh – Ecuador S.A.S. is a specialized grower and exporter of premium pitahaya (dragon fruit), based in the lush tropical region of Palora (Metzera), Morona Santiago, Ecuador. Established with a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture, product traceability, and export-quality standards, Pitafresh has become one of the leading players in Ecuador’s rapidly growing exotic fruit sector.
Core Business
Pitafresh focuses on the cultivation, packaging, and international export of yellow pitahaya (Hylocereus megalanthus), renowned for its exceptional sweetness, vibrant color, and shelf life. The company is strategically located in Palora, the epicenter of pitahaya production in Ecuador, which benefits from optimal volcanic soil conditions and a favorable microclimate for year-round fruit development.
Key business operations include:
- Own-farm production of pitahaya for quality assurance.
- Technical support to partner growers under strict agronomic protocols.
- Post-harvest handling and packaging adhering to international standards.
- Export logistics and traceability systems for major global markets.
Product and Service Offerings
Pitafresh offers:
- Fresh yellow pitahaya packed in multiple formats (1kg–4kg cartons).
- Private label options for international distributors and retailers.
- Cold-chain logistics to ensure fruit freshness during long-haul shipments.
- Customized documentation for sanitary/phytosanitary compliance (SPS).
The company ensures uniform quality by enforcing standardized harvesting indices, Brix levels, and defect tolerance per destination regulations.
Specialization and USP
Pitafresh specializes in high-sugar-content yellow pitahaya with an average Brix level of 18–21, making its fruit among the sweetest globally. Its unique selling propositions include:
- High-altitude, microclimate-grown produce for consistent sweetness and appearance.
- Integrated field-to-export operations, minimizing post-harvest loss.
- GAP-compliant practices and emphasis on traceability and sustainability.
The company’s strict quality control protocols and technical field support result in over 90% export-grade fruit selection from its farms.
Financial and Export Insights
According to trade intelligence from ImportGenius:
- Pitafresh Ecuador Cia. Ltda. has executed 381 verified international shipments since 2008.
- In 2024 alone, the company exported more than 400,000 kilograms of fresh pitahaya.
- Major export destinations include Hong Kong, the United States, Cambodia, and Canada.
- Shipments vary from 1,200 kg to 4,800 kg per lot, with consistent frequency during peak harvest months.
These figures indicate a reliable supply chain and sustained international demand, positioning Pitafresh as one of the leading dragon fruit exporters from Ecuador.
Target Market
Pitafresh serves a diversified international clientele including:
- Premium fruit importers in Asia, North America, and the Middle East.
- Supermarket chains and grocery distributors seeking high-sweetness exotic fruits.
- Wholesale distributors in logistics hubs like Miami, Hong Kong, and Dubai.
- Gourmet and health food retailers in urban centers.
Their pitahaya is marketed towards health-conscious, high-end consumers who value natural sweetness, visual appeal, and functional nutrition.
Capabilities
- State-of-the-art packhouse with sorting, grading, and cold storage facilities.
- Harvesting and post-harvest handling protocols for export compliance.
- Traceability system from farm to container.
- Year-round production capacity, with peak shipments from December to May.
The company leverages digital field monitoring tools and works with smallholder farmers to build capacity under shared quality standards.
Certifications and Compliance
Pitafresh maintains full regulatory compliance and industry certifications such as:
- Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
- Phytosanitary export clearance from Agrocalidad (Ecuador's official agency).
- Compliance with USDA and FDA import regulations for the U.S. market.
- Food safety procedures aligned with HACCP and cold-chain protocols.
In several export markets, the company works with brokers and inspection agents to ensure swift port clearance and cold storage integration.
Major Achievements
- Successfully expanded to over 8 international markets, including high-barrier entry countries like the United States and Canada.
- Achieved over 400 metric tons in export volume annually, with double-digit growth year-on-year since 2021.
- Recognized among top exporters from Morona Santiago in the exotic fruit category.
- Developed a trusted grower network in Palora to meet seasonal export demands.
- Built a strong brand presence in Asia through consistent quality and trade show participation.
Customer Testimonials
While individual testimonials are not publicly displayed, buyer records and repeat shipment data from import platforms indicate:
- Strong reordering patterns from distributors in Hong Kong and Miami.
- Consistent positive feedback on fruit appearance, sweetness, and packaging.
- Reliability during peak seasons with high fulfillment rates and minimal rejections.