Latest News From Bananas

Organic banana imports rise
Organic banana imports rise

Ecuador is by far the leading supplier of organic bananas to the U.S., accounting for 50% of total U.S. organic banana value in 2023, according to trade numbers from the USDA.

Banana imports rise in volume and value
Banana imports rise in volume and value

At $2.04 billion, the U.S. import value of bananas in 2023 was up 4% from 2022, according to USDA trade numbers.

How Equifruit nabs consumer, retail attention for its bananas
How Equifruit nabs consumer, retail attention for its bananas

Equifruit did not become a North American market leader for Fairtrade-certified bananas by being boringly conventional.

Fresh Del Monte reduces debt, increases quarterly dividend
Fresh Del Monte reduces debt, increases quarterly dividend

Coral Gables, Fla.-based Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has revealed quarterly and full-year earnings through December that report the company has reduced its long-term debt and increased its quarterly dividend.

Forum to explore sustainability in global banana supply chain
Forum to explore sustainability in global banana supply chain

From climate change to labor rights to gender equality, the World Banana Forum is set to explore key sustainability issues impacting the banana industry at the Fourth Global Conference of the World Banana Forum.

Chiquita pledges additional 10 years of protection to nature reserve
Chiquita pledges additional 10 years of protection to nature reserve

The Nogal Reserve in Costa Rica was established as a private wildlife refuge as the result of a joint effort between Chiquita and a portion of its clients, honoring the communities and land from which its bananas grow.

Dole celebrates 125th year of its banana business
Dole celebrates 125th year of its banana business

Dole is marking 125 years of farming, shipping and selling bananas in 2024 with a year-long celebration featuring contests, partnerships, proclamations, recipes and other promotions.

Chiquita teams with Happy Art Movement founder Romero Britto
Chiquita teams with Happy Art Movement founder Romero Britto

Seeking to capture the “joyful spirit” of its brand, Chiquita says its latest campaign, “Pop by Nature,” is a vivid fusion of art and nature.

Bananas lead U.S. imports from Central America
Bananas lead U.S. imports from Central America

U.S. imports of Central American bananas totaled $1.8 billion from November 2022 to October 2023, trade figures show.

First Latin American banana imports achieve GlobalGAP certification
First Latin American banana imports achieve GlobalGAP certification

Asoguabo, a banana grower in Ecuador, is the first to meet GlobalGAP’s Produce Handling Assurance standard with plans for more packing operations by the grower to achieve certification in 2024. 

Fresh Del Monte Produce partners with RPC packaging company
Fresh Del Monte Produce partners with RPC packaging company

Reusable plastic containers for bananas aim to significantly reduce food waste, carbon emissions and operational costs and preserve the fruit's health, the companies say.

Fresh Del Monte Produce reports Q3 results
Fresh Del Monte Produce reports Q3 results

Noting a slight decline in net sales but improved profits in its banana trade, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.  has reported financial results for the third quarter.

Equifruit drives Fairtrade-certified banana sales
Equifruit drives Fairtrade-certified banana sales

Equifruit, North America’s largest importer of Fairtrade-certified bananas, continues to work closely with its partners to drive sales and tonnage at the store level. 

Organics Unlimited sees rising consumer demand for organic, ethically sourced bananas
Organics Unlimited sees rising consumer demand for organic, ethically sourced bananas

San Diego-based Organics Unlimited believes that consumers are willing to pay a fair price for bananas that are ethically sourced and organically grown, says Daniella Velazquez de Leon, manager.

Chiquita partners with American Cancer Society for breast cancer awareness
Chiquita partners with American Cancer Society for breast cancer awareness

“Each year, breast cancer affects women and their families across the globe, which is why Chiquita is proud to once again pledge our support and help raise awareness,” said Chiquita's Tina Varjabedian.

Fyffes raising the profile of its organic bananas
Fyffes raising the profile of its organic bananas

Organic, fair trade and other sustainability certifications are important in banana marketing efforts because of the growing trend on consumer awareness, says Ahiby Rodriguez of Fyffes North America's tropical division.

Equifruit wins Fairtrade Innovation Award
Equifruit wins Fairtrade Innovation Award

Equifruit has won the Fairtrade Innovation Award at the inaugural Fairtrade Global Awards 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Chiquita introduces Yelloway initiative
Chiquita introduces Yelloway initiative

Chiquita has introduced the Yelloway initiative, with the goal of producing bananas that are resistant to both pathogenic diseases and environmental threats.

Chiquita expands shipping fleet with largest company-owned vessels to date
Chiquita expands shipping fleet with largest company-owned vessels to date

In a move it says advances maritime sustainability, Chiquita recently added two new ships to its fleet. The vessels are the biggest ships the brand owns to date.

Chiquita lights up Times Square with 'It Peels So Good' billboard
Chiquita lights up Times Square with 'It Peels So Good' billboard

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Chiquita has announced the unveiling of a new billboard in New York City’s iconic Times Square.

Equifruit becomes women-owned banana business
Equifruit becomes women-owned banana business

Equifruit, a Montreal-based Fairtrade-certified banana company, has announced Director of Sales and Marketing Kim Chackal has become an owner of the company. Equifruit President Jennie Coleman retains a majority share.

Chiquita Brands and Brooks Running extend partnership with ‘Ready, Set, Peel!’
Chiquita Brands and Brooks Running extend partnership with ‘Ready, Set, Peel!’

Chiquita and Brooks Running have announced the launch of the "Ready, Set, Peel!" promotion.

Dole’s Bobby Banana visits Boys & Girls Club, kicks off national back-to-school celebration
Dole’s Bobby Banana visits Boys & Girls Club, kicks off national back-to-school celebration

With the goal of helping kids make healthy after-school snacks this fall, Bobby Banana, the 7-foot mascot of Dole Food Co., visited the Oak Forest campus of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte on Aug. 4.

Bobby Banana and Pinellopy Pineapple lead Dole’s back-to-school push
Bobby Banana and Pinellopy Pineapple lead Dole’s back-to-school push

Dole Food Co. is calling upon its top banana and pineapple to help families jump back into the back-to-school routine in the most fun way ever.

Mission Produce turning to Peruvian avocados to bridge Mexico transition
Mission Produce turning to Peruvian avocados to bridge Mexico transition

The hass avocado producer says that it is leaning into a thoughtful ripening strategy and its owned Peruvian supply to deliver optimally sized fruit in the summer months.

Chiquita's new campaign highlights leadership and heritage
Chiquita's new campaign highlights leadership and heritage

“It Peels So Good” tells the story of a banana company with a rich history and a bright future, according to the brand.

Chiquita joins the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform
Chiquita joins the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform

With its induction, Chiquita anticipates the planned implementation of the SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment 3.0 across its farms.

Fresh Trends 2023: Banana is most purchased produce item among consumers
Fresh Trends 2023: Banana is most purchased produce item among consumers

The banana is king, as 63% of consumers polled by The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 said they purchased the tropical fruit in the past year.

What's a ‘banana unicorn'? Dole wants to hear from these rare consumers
What's a ‘banana unicorn'? Dole wants to hear from these rare consumers

Dole Food Co. is asking self-proclaimed non-banana eaters to share their "life-without-bananas" stories, photos and videos.

The best time to eat bananas? ‘It’s Chiquita O’clock’ campaign offers all-day ideas
The best time to eat bananas? ‘It’s Chiquita O’clock’ campaign offers all-day ideas

The limited-edition Blue Sticker series is complete with scannable stickers that highlight ways the bananas can be consumed at all times of the day.

Dole mascot returns to keep the spotlight on bananas
Dole mascot returns to keep the spotlight on bananas

Bananas have maintained consumer appeal despite rising inflation and food costs, and Bobby Banana will be the face of Dole bananas in special events and web, social media, marketing and retail programs.

Conventional banana imports rise 4% in value in 2022
Conventional banana imports rise 4% in value in 2022

U.S. banana imports totaled $1.96 billion in 2022, up 4% from $1.88 billion in 2021 and up from $1.89 billion in 2020. 

Ripening room technology advancing to allow more precision, consultant says
Ripening room technology advancing to allow more precision, consultant says

Advancements in banana ripening room control technology are creating more precise ripening control over the banana ripening process, in addition to improved flexibility and lower costs,  says Gary Campisi.

Inflation tame for banana imports
Inflation tame for banana imports

Compared with some other foods, inflation was nearly a no-show for banana imports in 2022.

Equifruit looks to expand sales into the U.S.
Equifruit looks to expand sales into the U.S.

Montreal-based Equifruit, an importer and marketer of fair trade-certified bananas, is positioned to begin selling in the U.S. market, says Kim Chackal, director of sales and marketing.

Dole Food Co. and culinary school host banana bread bake-off
Dole Food Co. and culinary school host banana bread bake-off

The competition is part of a larger collaboration to develop healthy, produce-forward cooking and lifestyle habits and provide the training to allow residents to gain access to a growing culinary and foodservice sector.

Fresh Del Monte expands distribution of single-serve bananas in Europe 
Fresh Del Monte expands distribution of single-serve bananas in Europe 

Coral Gables, Fla.-based Fresh Del Monte has announced a strong expansion plan for its convenient 24-count single-serve Del Monte banana box across the European market.

Judging a book by its cover — How to determine a ripe banana
Judging a book by its cover — How to determine a ripe banana

Where a banana falls on a green-to-yellow spectrum holds the key to where this banana will travel next on its circuitous journey from farm to produce aisle.

The Packer's 2023 Organic Fresh Trends revealed
The Packer's 2023 Organic Fresh Trends revealed

The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2023 survey polled more than 1,000 consumers in mid-October, discovering differences in how consumers report purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fairtrade International's virtual banana sends climate change message to UN delegates
Fairtrade International's virtual banana sends climate change message to UN delegates

Global fair-trade non-profit has unveiled virtual banana stunt at COP27 to highlight the risks climate change poses on the food system.

Chiquita goes pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Chiquita goes pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Chiquita is once again giving its iconic blue sticker a pink makeover to match the pink ribbon — an international symbol for breast cancer awareness.

Bananas with a mission
Bananas with a mission

A number of suppliers are working to inform retailers and consumers about the difference they can make when buying fair trade bananas.

Kowalski’s Market offers Fair Trade Certified bananas
Kowalski’s Market offers Fair Trade Certified bananas

The Woodbury, Minn.-based grocer recently began offering Fyffes Fair Trade Certified Bananas, as part of its ongoing efforts to support responsible companies.

Fresh Del Monte Produce reports strong quarterly results but extreme cost pressures
Fresh Del Monte Produce reports strong quarterly results but extreme cost pressures

Coral Gables, Fla.-based Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has reported its fifth straight quarter of net sales growth.

Kapi Kapi Growers sets expansion plans
Kapi Kapi Growers sets expansion plans

Already with a U.S. East Coast presence, Costa Rica-based pineapple and banana supplier Kapi Kapi Growers is prepared to expand sales throughout the U.S.,  company officials say.

Fresh Del Monte and Jewel-Osco banana display breaks Guinness World Record
Fresh Del Monte and Jewel-Osco banana display breaks Guinness World Record

The produce supplier and supermarket chain create a display with more than 77,000 pounds of bananas in Westmont, Ill.

Dole plc leader 'pleased' with Q1 2022 results
Dole plc leader 'pleased' with Q1 2022 results

“Our diversified business model has once more proven itself to be resilient,” Dole plc Executive Chairman Carl McCann said of the results.

Fresh Del Monte Produce reports sales gain for the first quarter but notes inflationary pressure
Fresh Del Monte Produce reports sales gain for the first quarter but notes inflationary pressure

Despite worrisome inflation, the Coral Gables, Fla.-based company has reported its sales for the quarter ending April 1 were up 5% compared with a year ago.

Organic fruit sales continue at brisk pace
Organic fruit sales continue at brisk pace

Berries, apples, bananas and citrus were the top organic fruits ranked by sales during 2021, according to the State of Organic Produce 2021 report from the Organic Produce Network and Category Partners

Fyffes expands marketing team
Fyffes expands marketing team

Fyffes has announced the appointment of Áine McElroy as marketing executive with responsibility for the coordination of marketing activities for bananas and pineapples in Ireland.