In W34 in the banana landscape, banana exports from Ecuador saw growth from Jan-23 to Jul-23, totaling 220.85 million boxes compared to 207.56 million boxes in the same period in 2022. The key markets for Ecuadorian bananas include the European Union (EU), Russia, and the Middle East, accounting for a combined 145.97 million boxes. Notably, the EU exhibited a 20.53% increase in exports compared to 2022, followed by the United Kingdom (UK) and Africa, with 18.87% and 18.13% growth. The majority of the exported bananas were type 22xu boxes (85.33%), followed by type 208 boxes (10.47%) and organic bananas (3.82%).
The Association of Exporters of Guatemala (AGEXPORT) reported that bananas, melons, plantains, watermelons, and papayas are the top five exported fruits. These fruits collectively generated trades worth nearly USD 1.3 billion by the end of 2022, constituting almost 88% of the top 10 fruit exports. The United States (US) is the primary trading partner for these five fruits, contributing a substantial USD 1.05 billion in total sales. Among these fruits, bananas emerge as the leading and most consistent export. Between 2021 and 2022, cargo volumes for bananas experienced a 16.2% growth. According to the Customs and International Logistics Service (SEAL), Guatemala led Central America's fresh or dry banana exports in 2022, followed by Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua.
Lastly, the Organic Banana Cluster of Peru, backed by USD 270.60 thousand (PEN 1.8 million) funding from the Ministry of Production through Innóvate Peru, has successfully executed actions to enhance the organic banana sector's growth and broaden its export markets. The cluster, comprising over nine thousand producers, aims to transform the northern region into a prominent organic banana exporter. After three years of work, the cluster achieved milestones such as enabling ten Piura producer associations to attain carbon-neutral certification for international markets, facilitated by carbon-neutral branding. With support from Innóvate Peru, the cluster also increased yields, initiated production with improved organic banana seeds, and introduced training against the Fusarium Race 4 pest. Despite these achievements, Piura's organic banana producers face the threat of Fusarium infestation, with over 16 thousand hectares (ha) at risk.