US Access to Ecuador’s Soursop Is Expected in the Near Future. Find out When!

Ben Madilynn July 13, 2023

The US market is likely to soon be able to access Ecuador soursop – a tropical fruit with a unique flavor, known for its health benefits. Known locally by “guanábana,” Ecuador has grown soursop for centuries. The rich taste of soursop and its potential medicinal properties have led to its increasing popularity around the globe. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Ecuador worked closely with US Department of Agriculture, to meet and adhere to all necessary phytosanitary protocol to ensure fruit’s safety export to the United States. Ecuadorian Farmers will be able to increase their income and expand their market with this approval.

The US market is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ecuadorian Soursop due to its unique flavor profile and versatility. It is a fruit that has a subtle balance of acidity and sweetness, which makes it ideally suited for a variety of culinary creations. Soursop also has a number of health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and B. As soon as the US market opens, Ecuador’s consumers can expect to see this exotic fruit on the shelves of supermarkets. This will bring a new taste to their food and contribute to Ecuadorian agriculture.

Last month, Ecuadorian representatives and US officials met on Washington, D.C., in order to discuss final phytosanitary guidelines for soursop. “At the moment, we have received confirmation from APHIS that fresh soursop from Ecuador will be granted US access, only under certain conditions,” Freshway Produce’s Ricardo Roggiero confirms this. He believes a decision will be reached before the end 2023 once APHIS approves AGROCALIDAD’s operation workplan. Ecuador requested admission of soursop into the United States, without any irradiation treatments. “However, the way things are looking now, soursop from Ecuador will have to be treated with irradiation at the US port of entry,” Comment Roggiero.

“There is a significant soursop area in Ecuador that is ready to ship and there haven’t been any fruit fly infections in this region,” Comment Roggiero. “It’s very important for Ecuador to be able to ship soursop. Unfortunately, the country doesn’t have any sites that could perform the irradiation treatment. As a result, it will have to be done at the port destination. In addition, an irradiation treatment will prevent organic soursop from entering the US. “The organic qualities of the sourop are lost during irradiation.

Superfood
The main use of sourop is for juicing or as a concentrated product. “It can be shipped in processed form to the US but not in its fresh state.” Canada and Europe however take both processed and fresh soursop. “This product is exotic and has many health benefits.” commented Roggiero. “It is a superfood, which helps to prevent diabetes and cancer. It also strengthens your immune system and improves your eye health.”

Soursop is available from Ecuador year-round, but the peak months of production are January through April. Freshway Produce is excited to start offering soursop. “Roggiero said, “We look forward to expanding our exotic fruits line and working with new producers.”

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Ricardo Roggiero
Freshway Produce
Tel: (+1) 786-300-4485
sales@freshwayusa.com
www.freshwayusa.com