Importing fruit from Ecuador: logistics and Incoterms
Once you have chosen your assortment, logistics and Incoterms determine when and how the fruit arrives. This is how export from Ecuador works.
Ports and packing
Ecuadorian tropical fruit export is concentrated mainly at Guayaquil — the country's principal commercial and export port. Bananas are loaded in 22–26 kg cartons, transported in refrigerated containers and shipped regularly through Dole Ocean Cargo to the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.
Incoterms
Agree the Incoterm from the outset: FOB (free on board at Guayaquil), CFR (cost and freight to destination port) or CIF (cost, insurance and freight). That defines who arranges and pays for ocean freight and insurance — and where risk transfers.
Documentation
- Commercial invoice and packing list.
- Bill of lading.
- Certificate of origin and phytosanitary documents.
- Certified fruit certificates (GLOBALG.A.P., Rainforest Alliance, organic).
Timelines and cold chain
Plan around the harvest calendar and sailing schedules. Bananas require continuous cold chain — temperature and ripening management are critical. Dole Ecuador coordinates harvest, packing and shipping — tell us destination port and Incoterm and we will prepare a matching quote.
Frequently asked questions
Which port does Ecuador export fruit through?
Mainly Guayaquil. We quote FOB from Guayaquil or CFR/CIF to your destination port.
Which Incoterms do you offer?
Typically FOB (Ecuadorian port), CFR (with freight) and CIF (with freight and insurance). Terms are agreed before contracting.
What documents accompany a shipment?
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary documents and relevant certificates.
Further reading
Plan your Ecuadorian fruit shipment
Tell us destination port, Incoterm and volume — we will quote and coordinate logistics.