“The consumption pace has slowed down, as it does every summer,” explains Alain Alarcón of Banagrumes. “Nevertheless, we have a good regular flow as sales to supermarkets enable us to maintain some stability. The market tends to focus more on seasonal products this time of year, but “bananas remain a staple on our shelves. It is practically the only product in our fruit and vegetable department that is available all year round, which gives us a great deal of regularity with our customers.”
Historic price increase in January
Much like other productions, bananas have been hit by rising costs (fertilizers, packaging, freight...), prompting operators to increase their prices. “We saw a historic price increase in January 2023. It was a relatively large increase but a necessary one, since the production costs were practically outstripping sales prices at the end of the year. There was of course some concern about how consumption would react. Despite this price rise, we have managed to maintain the volumes sold since the beginning of the year. This is reassuring, as bananas remain a staple on the shelves, and also one of the least expensive fruits.”
A family favorite
Banana consumption has remained stable over all these years thanks to its positioning in terms of price. “It is a household favorite because it is also one of the least expensive items in the fruit and vegetable department (33% of which are bought by families),” explains Alain Alarcón. “It is a practical product that can be taken anywhere and eaten at any time. Additionally, its taste never changes so bananas never disappoint. It really is the fruit with the greatest consensus.”
Banana specialist and ripener for 3 generations, Alain Alarcón is also the administrator of the UNCGFL (French Union for the Wholesale Trade of Fruit and Vegetables) and represents the wholesaler family within the Interprofessional Banana Association (AIB), which includes 6 families from production to distribution. This year, he decided to diversify the production origins. “Previously, we worked with 65% from the West Indies and 35% from Colombia. This year, we added Orlana fairtrade bananas from Ivory Coast and from Ecuador, which means that we can diversify our cost prices and no longer depend on just one or two origins.”
For more information:
Alain Alarcon
Banagrumes
Phone: +33 (0)1 45 12 28 40
[email protected]
www.banagrumes.com
