François Moran, manager of Tropibana at the Rungis market, is a fervent supporter of bananas from Guadeloupe and Martinique, which his father used to sell on the same market. "This banana ticks all the boxes: It is French, it is European, and it tastes very good. Before I took over the business, it was the only banana my father sold. But today, much to my regret, I sell as many bananas from Guadeloupe and Martinique as from the United States. I would like to develop sales for the French origin, but it has become increasingly complicated these days."
Forced to turn to other origins to meet the demand
The wholesaler has had to find a new balance in his sales, especially after the production problems experienced by the French islands a few months ago. "There were major supply problems due to the weather disturbances that hit the banana plantations around October, November, December, and early January 2025. Volumes were affected, as well as quality and size, and there were significant delays to our boats. This was not an easy situation to manage, and it forced us to turn to other origins in order to meet the demand from our clients."
Difficulties competing in terms of price and size
The situation has now improved, but the French origin is still struggling to win back the market share it has lost among Tropibana clients. "I used to reject American bananas, but the complications in production forced me to switch to American origins a few months ago, and now it is very difficult to go back. While some clients remain loyal to the French origin, others have taken the plunge and do not want to go back, mainly for economic reasons. Everyone wants bananas from Guadeloupe and Martinique, but when it comes to paying the price, there is a lot less enthusiasm. It is important to understand that bananas from France do not fight with the same weapons as American or African bananas. The value to the producer is not comparable, and the lack and withdrawal of approved products to treat bananas is detrimental to the development of production, volumes, and sizes. The French want big sizes, but in order to get big bananas, growers need to treat them with phytosanitary products."
French bananas are still an important source for the Paris region
In this highly competitive market, bananas from Guadeloupe and Martinique are still an essential source for Parisian consumers. "Unfortunately, French bananas are losing market share in certain areas, due to very aggressive promotions for American and African origins. But Paris remains a dynamic market for French bananas, and one fourth of West Indians live in mainland France (232,400 according to INSEE), which must have a positive influence on French banana consumption."
For more information:
Tropibana
François Moran
Phone: +33.620.17.20.13
[email protected]