"The Chinese banana market has been depressed for years, but this year the conditions finally improved. The price of bananas in production areas across China began to soar in the beginning of this year.
Recently, however, the price returned to regular levels. Xishuang-banna, Yunnan, is one of the major banana production areas in China. The wholesale price of medium-quality bananas in Xishuangbanna is around 2.6 yuan [0.38 USD] per kg. Top-quality bananas sell for more than 3 yuan [0.43 USD] per kg or even more than 4 yuan [0.58 USD] per kg. These prices are much higher than last year." This is according to Yao Yuanchao, a banana farmer and retailer from Yunnan.
Bananas
"Banana production areas in Xishuangbanna experienced a dry season that lasted half a year, unlike in previous years. The dry weather reduced the banana production volume and had an impact on product quality as well, although the influence was minimal. The banana harvest was already under way and only some bananas suffer from a lack of moisture."
Bananas
"We think that the excellent conditions in the banana market are the result of many different reasons, but the fluctuation of production volume is an important one. The living standards of Chinese consumers have improved and they demand healthy, top-quality fruit. The willingness of Chinese consumers to pay extra for top-quality bananas is part of this overall market trend."
Contact person: Yao Yuanchao
Banana farmer and retailer
WeChat ID: zxcvbnm2802481499