Ecuadorian Tango mandarins make U.S. debut

Ecuador has officially exported its first shipment of Tango mandarins to the U.S. market. The initial consignment included approximately 50,700 pounds of fresh fruit, shipped from Durexporta S.A. in Guayaquil, following over five years of technical collaboration and bilateral negotiations between Agrocalidad and the USDA’s APHIS.

The export process involved strict adherence to technical protocols, including the installation of temperature sensors inside the shipping containers, issuance of an official phytosanitary certificate, and cold treatment verification at -1.1°F for 15 days. This cold treatment ensures the elimination of quarantine pests like fruit flies.

“This export represents an important step forward for the country's farmers and demonstrates the value of our non-traditional products, such as mandarins. The National Government will continue working to promote its presence in more international markets,” said Gustavo Cepeda, Undersecretary of Strategic Agricultural Chains at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

Grown in Pimampiro, Imbabura Province, Ecuadorian Tango mandarins are recognized for their high quality, sweet flavor, uniform coloring, and popularity in international markets. This milestone opens new opportunities for small and medium-sized producers, promoting diversification of Ecuador’s export offerings, Agrocalidad said in a release.

Mandarin producer Santiago Latorre expressed gratitude to Agrocalidad, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and the government for their support. “Today, Ecuadorian mandarins will win over US consumers,” he stated.

Larry Rivera, general coordinator of Plant Health, noted, “Ecuador has demonstrated that it is capable of producing with high levels of quality, rigorously complying with international standards. Thanks to this, more and more national products are gaining access to and consolidating their position in global markets, generating opportunities and improving the living conditions of many families who make their living from agriculture.”

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