Banana Time Guayaquil 2026: Countdown Begins for the Event Bringing Together More Than 5,500 Banana Industry Leaders
The 23rd International Banana Congress will focus on strategic alliances, new global regulations, and business opportunities among C-level executives. The Ecuadorian Association of Banana Exporters (AEBE) announces the official opening of registration and the sale of exhibition spaces for Banana Time Guayaquil 2026, the region’s leading international convention for the banana industry. The event will take place from October 27 to 30, 2026, at the Hilton Colón Hotel in Guayaquil. This year’s convention will focus on the value of business alliances and supply chain integration. In an environment of increasingly demanding markets, the industry’s competitiveness depends on strengthening relationships among producers, exporters, technology providers, and international buyers. With an expected attendance of more than 5,500 trade professionals and an exhibition featuring 89 booths and 101 leading brands, Banana Time 2026 stands out for its highly executive-level audience, including presidents, CEOs, general managers, and C-level decision-makers. The event is positioned as an ideal platform for establishing strategic partnerships and closing business deals.
A High-Impact Event Featuring Inspirational Figures
This year’s edition will feature the special participation of iconic Ecuadorian cyclist and Olympic champion Richard Carapaz, who will share his perspective on overcoming challenges, resilience, and sustained effort—values that reflect the strength of the export banana industry in the face of global challenges.
An Academic Program Focused on Market Challenges
The Banana Time Guayaquil 2026 agenda will address the main challenges currently facing the banana value chain, from farm productivity to exports and international logistics.
One of the key themes will be “The Productive Base: Land, Water and Soil,” under the concept “Measure the Farm.” This session will raise critical questions for the future of production: How much productive land actually exists? What factors limit its performance? And what human resources and talent are available to the industry? This approach seeks to provide a more accurate assessment of production conditions and the factors determining farm efficiency.
The second theme, “Plant Health and Operational Continuity,” under the concept “Protect,” will focus on the industry’s ability to maintain production in the face of phytosanitary challenges. In particular, the discussions will examine the strategies required to sustain production amid the presence of Tropical Race 4 Fusarium (Foc R4T) in the country and the establishment of Moko disease along Ecuador’s coastal region.
Finally, “Exporting: Integrity, Quality and Value,” under the concept “Preserve and Distribute,” will address what happens to product value after harvest: loading, packing, and transportation processes, as well as the factors affecting quality preservation and the distribution of value throughout the export chain.
These core themes will be complemented by conferences and panel discussions addressing the major changes transforming international banana trade:
- European Green Deal and European Union regulations: compliance with due diligence requirements, deforestation-free supply chains, and living wage standards.
- Sustainability and water footprint: technical panels featuring the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), ESPOL, and WWF Ecuador, focusing on water efficiency, carbon footprint, and biodiversity.
- Innovation and technology: precision agriculture solutions, biological inputs, and monitoring technologies for crop protection.
- Market intelligence: strategies for diversification and opening new markets, particularly in emerging economies.
As part of the third-day agenda, a panel featuring three shipping lines will present a summary of the first-quarter results of the Shipping Barometer, a tool designed to generate information on maritime transport performance and contribute to greater efficiency and competitiveness across Ecuador’s foreign trade logistics chain.
The session will provide an opportunity to analyze connectivity, service performance, and other relevant factors from the perspective of key maritime transportation stakeholders. These factors are critical for an export industry that relies heavily on efficient logistics to preserve product quality and ensure timely delivery to destination markets.
Exhibition Pavilion and C-Level Networking
The commercial area will feature 89 strategically distributed booths, where more than 101 brands specializing in agricultural inputs, logistics, shipping lines, packaging, and technology will showcase their solutions to the industry’s top executives.
The congress environment is designed to foster direct interaction between executives and international buyers, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, partnership building, and the development of new business opportunities.
The experience will culminate in the exclusive Banana Awards Gala, the Deloitte-audited awards ceremony recognizing excellence and sustainability across the industry.
Registration and Exhibition Space Reservations
Congress registrations and exhibition spaces are limited.
To secure a corporate booth, register as an attendee, or request information about sponsorship opportunities, interested parties may contact the organizers:
- Official website and registration: www.aebe.com.ec/bananatime
- Commercial and Logistics Contacts: Marjorie Martínez ([email protected]) and Doménica Matamoros ([email protected])
- Venue: Hilton Colón Hotel, Guayaquil, Ecuador.