Goldenforce banana brand Ecuador

Ecuadorean banana exporter Isbelni has reportedly been seized by the country’s National Finance Corporation (CFN) and the Deposit Guarantee Custodial Agency (AGD).

The company, which has links to former congressman and president of Congress, Juan José Pons, was seized due to alleged links with the Aspiazu Group, according to a report by El Universo.

The report said Aspiazu Group has owed the Ecuadorean estate a debt of around US$40m since 2003.

Isbelni has been seized as a result, according to president of the trust, Pedro Delgado.

The whereabouts of Mr Pons are apparently still unknown, but one of his sons (who manages Isbelni) has been given 60 days in which to present proof that may disassociate the banana company with Grupo Aspiazu.

Failure to do so will result in Isbelni becoming state property, the report concluded.

Isbelni exports bananas under the Goldenforce brand and exhibited at Fruit Logistica in Berlin this year.