The production data of the Canarian banana sector for the 2021 financial year were made public a few days ago. There was no doubt that, in general, they were going to be unfavorable statistics, especially for those Plátano de Canarias Producer Organizations (OPP) that produce bananas on the island of La Palma and that have been so affected by the volcanic eruption of September 19, 2021.
The sector had a 4% overall average drop compared to the total production of 2020. This figure is the result of a general reduction in all organizations (to a greater or lesser extent) with the exception of Europlátano, which is showing growth.
"Despite the windstorm and heat in summer and the tragic consequences of the volcanic eruption in La Palma, we are proud to say that, thanks to the hard work and union of our team, Europlatano was able to produce 8% more kilos in 2021 than in 2020, becoming the only OPP to grow in 2021."
"Europlatano was able to maintain its third position in total kilos with 16.61% of production and its exports broad, thanks to the established commercial relations established for years with Switzerland."
Commitment to La Palma
The situation in La Palma has affected the entire banana sector, with a total loss of some 25 million kilos. This loss includes those farms buried by lava and all the losses derived caused by the ash on the plantations, water scarcity, and access restrictions. It has been the worst catastrophe in the history of the banana sector in the Canary Islands and, after some very hard months full of uncertainty, it is time to rebuild.
"Throughout the volcanic crisis, Europlatano has been committed to the banana and its people. This commitment continues as the sector starts its reconstruction: Europlatano's entire team is working from the farms to the stores to recover the island's productive capacity."
Increase in production in Tenerife
Given the situation in La Palma, it's evident that the increase in the kilos of bananas produced by this OPP this year comes from the development of Europlatano's project on the island of Tenerife, where production increased by almost 10,000 tons. "The advantages of having a solid productive structure allows us, despite the circumstances, to work to recover the farms in La Palma and continue the commercial expansion in the Peninsula and abroad."
For more information:
Europlátano
Camino Palomares, 118
38760 Los Llanos de Aridane
Isla de La Palma, Canarias
Telf.: +34 922 40 10 83
www.europlatano.es