The most popular banana in the world is the Cavendish, and FAO is doing everything it can to save it from the extinction that may be caused by Fusarium wilt. In Italy, wholesale prices for the variety are definitely stable.
In Turin, multi-layer category 1 crates from Central America were sold at €0.83. Chiquita fruit reached €1.13.
Caat: category I Chiquita bananas from Central America - Click here to enlarge the chart
Prices have been stable in the last couple of months, except for a peak between 9 and 11 December 2014 with prevailing prices of €0.93 and 1.20 (Chiquita).
In Rome, in early January, multi-layer category 1 crates from Central America reached €1.00 and €1.20 for the Chiquita brand. Multi-layer category 1 plantains from Africa reached €1.20.
The situation was relatively unchanged in mid-January: €1.00 for Cavendish, €1.10 for the Chiquita brand and €1.30 for plantains.
In Fondi, prices were low during the first three weeks of the year: the prices for foreign bananas in 18 kg cardboard boxes was of €0.90/kg (Dole), €1.00 (Del Monte) and €1.20 (Chiquita). On January 21, they decreased to €0.80, €0.85 and €1.00 respectively.
On the same date, the following prices were recorded in Verona:
- €0.83/kg for category 1 Del Monte foreign bananas;
- €0.85/kg for category 1 Tropy, Simba and Cabana foreign bananas;
- €0.98/kg for category 1 Dole foreign bananas;
- €1.18/kg for category 1 Chiquita foreign bananas.