Ecuador opens market to Italian pear exports

Ecuador has officially approved an operational work plan to allow the export of Italian pears, opening a strategic new market in South America for the Italian agro-food sector.

The agreement follows a negotiation process that began in 2021 and concluded after Ecuadorian inspectors visited Italian production sites and facilities in September to verify compliance with phytosanitary protocols. The plan has been published in the system of the Ecuadorian phytosanitary authority, Agrocalidad, and is now in effect.

Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida noted that this development provides a vital commercial outlet following years of challenges caused by climate change and crop diseases. The initiative is the result of collaboration between the Ministry, regional authorities, and the production sector, including the Emilia-Romagna phytosanitary service and CSO Italy. This move aims to diversify Italian export destinations beyond the European market.