Prices for imported bananas have remained relatively steady despite some lighter supplies caused by color issues. With supplies of bananas with the best color more difficult to find, the best fruit is commanding good prices.“Volumes of bananas from Colombia and Costa Rica has actually been patchy, and there have been issues with color for the first time,” said James Massari of The Produce Connection in Miami, Florida. “We've had a difficult time sourcing bananas that are processed and gassed to have the right color, and the color is what sells bananas.” He's not exactly sure what's behind lighter volumes of the best-colored fruit, but, as a result, he's seen some higher prices.
“Overall, bananas are one of the most stable commodities, but there has been an effect on volume,” said Massari. “People are paying a premium for product that does show some color, so prices have firmed up a little.” On April 23, prices for 40-pound cartons of bananas from Colombia and Costa Rica were in the mid to upper-teens.
For more information:
James Massari
The Produce Connection
+1 305 633 0011