Ecuador
Demand From Multinational Companies for Bananas From Ecuador Caused a Price Increase During W49 (Dec 12)
In Ecuador, after the forecast of lower prices during W48, in W49 a few multinational companies purchased bananas from Ecuador due to the low inventory in Central America, causing a farm gate price increase from USD 7.5 to USD 10 for the 18.14kg box. Prices in Ecuador dropped in W48 due to decreased demand from Russian buyers.
Colombia
Fusarium, the Fungus That Haunts Banana Plantations in the Caribbean (Dec 13)
Colombia faced a winter wave, and union representatives of banana plantations requested measure reinforcements from the National government to contain the spread of the Fusarium fungus, keep phytosanitary surveillance for the timely detection of the Fusarium Race 4 Tropical disease (Foc R4T), and take contingency actions.
Brazil
Embrapa Sends Banana Varieties for Testing in Colombia (Dec 15)
On December 12th, the second batch of banana genotypes sent by Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) arrived in Colombia for a test regarding the resistance to tropical Fusarium race 4, the most destructive crop disease, not eradicable and present in the country since 2019. Improved diploids and three new Prata-type banana hybrids were sent to Colombia. Including one that has stood out in the north of Minas Gerais and could launch in 2024, and somaclonal variants of the Cavendish and Prata types, resistant to Fusarium race 1 and subtropical 4, which will be evaluated for possible resistance to tropical race 4 of the fungus.
France
Banana Prices Are Higher Than Usual in This Period in France, Leading To Fewer Sales (Dec 12)
Banana prices have risen dramatically in the countries of origin due to rising production costs. The French banana market, which imports bananas from those countries, has been impacted by this, particularly given the unfavorable current exchange rate between the US dollar and the euro. Bananas are therefore expensive in supermarkets throughout Europe, despite still being more affordable than other fruits. Although there are generally a few fewer sales, the demand for bananas is still there.
Kenya
Kenyan Fresh Banana Supply Increased in the Domestic Market in W50 (Dec 15)
The leading banana-producing regions of Central Kenya are having an abundant supply of fresh bananas in the domestic market in W50. The price stands at USD 0.17/kg (KES 20). The increased supply created a price drop for dried banana chips, from USD 2.64/kg (KES 320) three months ago to USD 2.07/kg (KES 250) in W50.
Poland
The FOT Spot Price of Green Bananas in Poland in W49 Remained at the Same Level as W47 (Dec 14)
FOT spot prices for green bananas in Poland for W49 were unchanged and are at the same level as in W47. Brand-name bananas were priced between USD 21.32-22.39 per 18kg box, with the cheapest available at USD 21.05 per 18 kg. The cheapest price for no-name brands is USD 19.72/18kg for those of Mexican origin. The lack of banana supply is especially noticeable in W49. Additionally, banana-origin countries are raising destination prices in anticipation of high demand in Q1 of 2023.
Spain
The Canary Islands Allocate 8.5 Million to Offset the Effects of the Volcano in the Banana Sector (Dec 15)
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries of the Government of the Canary Islands have granted direct aid valued at USD 8.5M to compensate for the loss of income suffered by the owners of banana farms as a result of the volcanic eruption that occurred in September 2021 on the island of La Palma.
