“At this time of year, because of the weather there is not enough supply of bananas,” says José Hernandez of McAllen, Tex.-based Bananera Muchachita. “It is colder and there are a lot of clouds. There’s also a lack of sun and that means there’s not enough thickness in the fruit.”
Last year, adds Hernandez, supply was greater on bananas at this time of year.
Bananera’s bananas come from Mexico—largely in the Tabasco, Chiapas and Colima regions while competing product is coming in from other South American regions including Guatemala, Ecuador and Costa Rica. Demand meanwhile is coming from Mexico, the U.S. and Europe. “Consumption of bananas is steady year-round with ups and downs in the summer months due to school being out and there are more fruits on offer,” says Hernandez.
Pricing pick up
Altogether this leaves pricing at slightly higher levels. “Prices are higher because of the demand which is higher than last year at this time of year,’ says Hernandez. “It’s supposed to go higher in price as well because there aren’t that many bananas on the market.”
Limited supply is not the only challenge Bananera is dealing with. “The weather has been changing a lot and it makes it difficult for us as farmers to understand what’s happening and to do whatever is possible to be sure that the fruit doesn’t get damaged,” adds Hernandez.
For more information:
José Hernandez
Bananera Muchachita
Tel: +1- 956-631-0444
bananas@bmuchachita.com
www.bananeramuchachitaus.com