Brazilian banana seeks competitiveness in the global market

Despite being the world's fourth largest banana producer, Brazil continues to have the domestic consumer as the main and almost total destination for the fruit, with exports accounting for a small portion of production and even showing a recent reduction. With strong international competition from India, China, and Indonesia, Brazilian producers currently find Europe as the main external market and are seeking to enter others. In terms of varieties, the Cavendish banana (nanica/caturra) is the only commodity, but plantains also find interested parties. According to Abrafrutas' technical director, Edson Brok, international competitors, in addition to higher production, have specific banana plantations to meet the preferences of importers. In the case of plantains - also known as plantains in some countries - there is demand, but in low quantities. "There is a gourmet appeal, but it is not a volume variety. The Cavendish is the banana commodity." In the case of the prata, despite ...