The situation is rather stable for bananas, while it is rather worrying for pineapples as the H&R sector has come to a halt and families do not prioritize this fruit.
Banana prices are holding up, though they are lower than expected for the period. We are talking about €14-15 per box, which drops to €12 if the quality is not excellent. The fact that schools and canteens are closed means demand is lower.
As for pineapples, "a box of good-quality fruit currently costs €5-6, which is really low. After all, the H&R sector is not working and things are slower in wholesale markets. What is more, retail chain clients tend to prefer other products such as citrus fruit," explains a wholesaler.
According to the wholesaler, orange prices are increasing and, since the Italian produce is no longer available, oranges are being imported from Egypt. "Quality is excellent and the fruit is a good replacement for the Italian one."
"The world has changed compared to 40 days ago, as the oil price has halved since then: from the $60 per barrel of February 20th to the current $30. Shipments via sea should cost less, but the additional costs that need to be faced to deal with the Coronavirus emergency must be taken into consideration."