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Agriculture
MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC
PLANTS PROFILE IN ECUADOR
Ecuador is one of the most mega-diverse coun-
tries in the world, rich in natural renewable and
non-renewable resources. Its natural resources
are its main strength. A further important factor is
that Ecuador, has advantages, such as microcli-
mate and high luminosity which allow producing
high quality products.
Ecuadorian products offer a wide array of unique
qualities and possibilities, mainly in the pharma-
ceutical and cosmetics markets. The star prod-
ucts within the sector are aromatic infusions and
Natural Cosmetics.
The productive base of these products has an or-
ganic certification, production systems based on
ancestral experiences, which are environmentally
sustainable. The industry is represented by small
regional producers, mainly women with ancestral
knowledge of medical and aromatic plants.
Development of the sector
The sector of medicinal and aromatic plants, as
well as derivatives offers many possibilities for the
pharmaceutical industry.
Companies
The sector is composed by producers, processors
and traders of raw materials with 2300 primary
partner producers and 3 private producers. In the
area of processing, there are 8 small producing
organizations and 10 industrial SMES.
Exportations
- From 2005 to 2008 exports of products and natu-
ral ingredients have increased 42%, reaching a
total of $13.8 million USD.
- The main importers are The United States,
France, Japan and Puerto Rico.
BEST COMPANIES ACCORDING
TO EKOS MAGAZINE
1. Flower-growing sector
Ecuadorian flowers are considered to be the best
in the world, whereas the sector generates $700
million USD in annual revenues. However, the
sector experienced a decrease in sales of 7% in
2009 that is explained by the overall production
decrease.
Top 5 companies:
• Rosaprima Cia. Ltda
• Sande Ecuador Cia Ltda
• Agricola Tabacundo, Agritab C.L.
• Ecofroz S.A.
• Plantaciones Malima Cia. Ltda
2. Oils, fats and African palm companies
According to the study performed in 2009, Ecua-
dor produces 370 000 tons of oil. Out of this num-
ber 200 000 are destined to the local market and
170 000 tons are exported to Europe, Venezuela,
Mexico and Perú.
Exports of soya oil increased by 59% in 2009,
reaching the total number of $349 million USD,
whereas exports of margarines and other prod-
ucts increased by 26% and sunflower oil passed
from $63 thousand USD in 2008 to $2,4 million
USD in 2009.
Top 5 companies:
• Oleaginosas del Castillo Oleocastillo S.A.
• Agroindustria del Paraiso S.A. Agroparaiso
• Industrial Danec SA
• La Fabril S.A.
• Agricola Alzamora Cordovez Cia. Ltda.
3. Poultry Farming companies
According to statistical information provided by
CONAVE (Ecuadorian Corporation of Poultry
Farmers), consumption of poultry meat and eggs
presented an increase of 588% and 193% respec-
tively.
Consumption of chicken meat and other poultry
products remain the highest in Ecuador. Currently,
the country has no need to import these products,
since the demand is satisfied by the local produc-
tion, including 25% of Ecuadorian eggs that have
been exported to Colombia in 2009. In Ecuador,
this activity accumulates 350 mln USD of profits
and creates more than 250 000 direct jobs.
Top 5 companies:
• Aves del Oriente S.A.
• Incubadora Nacional CA INCA
• Avicola San Isidrio S.A. AVISID
• Avicola Vitaloa S.A. Avitalsa
• Pollo Favorito SA Pofasa
4. Bananas companies
The banana sector has registered an important
growth in exports during the last year, with a posi-
tive variance of 14,49%.