Are the Berries Ripe?: Export Potential for Ecuador's Blackberry Production

Blackberry production has been common for decades in Ecuador''s inter-Andean valleys, but a fresh or processed export industry has not emerged despite export successes experienced in neighboring countries. This case study examines the potential for expansion of blackberry export market and identifies several key barriers: low volume of production for export, phytosanitary and other obstacles constraining production at scale, lack of support services from the public sector, and lack of an organizational presence for producers seeking alternative markets. While production of blackberry is relatively high, and markets and an export window exist, Ecuadors industry needs vision and leadership for a viable export industry to emerge.