The supply of bananas is currently lower than in previous years, partly due to a shortage of reefer containers in South America. This is pushing prices to above-average levels. "On the free market, the green price is around 16 to 17 euros, so those are steep prices," says Robert Greeve of Anaco & Greeve.
"Countries like Guatemala and Costa Rica are seeing significantly lower production. In addition, there are various developments worldwide, such as the strikes in Panama, which is now directing most of its fruit to the United States. Algeria has also been boycotting bananas from Ecuador since Ecuador expressed support for Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara. Algeria has traditionally been a major importer of bananas, including for other North African countries. As a result, buyers are now turning to countries like Colombia and Costa Rica, which may start to affect overall availability."
"Delays in arrivals and congestion at the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp are causing a very irregular banana supply. From what I hear from the carriers, this situation isn't expected to improve in the short term," the importer continued. "Normally, banana sales dip somewhat in the summer months, but this season is bucking that trend entirely. We're seeing strong demand on the global market, so perhaps we're headed for another good banana summer."
For more information:
Robert Greeve
Anaco & Greeve
ABC Westland 666
2685 DH Poeldijk
Tel: +31 (0) 174 210200
[email protected]
www.anacogreeve.nl