Executives from seven French fruit and vegetable companies traveled over 9,000 kilometers to Quito to meet with Ecuadorian wholesale importers. Their primary goal is to expand apple exports and explore potential markets for other fruits. France plays a significant role in the agricultural industry, being the fifth largest producer of fresh fruits and the third largest producer of fresh vegetables in the European Union, with apples accounting for 60% of its fruit production.

Apples are particularly important in the French agricultural sector, with an average yield of 1.4 million tons, of which approximately 350,000 tons are exported. In 2025, Ecuador imported around 4,000 tons of apples from France, an increase of 35% compared to the previous year when only 2,500 tons were imported. This growth highlights the resilience of international trade even amid challenges faced in 2024.

The increase in exports also implies a promising future for collaboration between French producers and Ecuadorian importers, potentially leading to an expanded variety of fruits entering the Ecuadorian market. Strengthening trade ties can help diversify Ecuador's fruit market and improve access to high-quality produce for local consumers, while also benefitting French exporters looking to grow their presence in Latin America.