COVID-19 pandemic supports banana demand

COVID-19 did nothing to subtract from banana demand, industry leaders say. In fact, the pandemic may have helped boost demand.

“There’s been a little bit of a lift in demand during the pandemic,” said Mayra Velazquez de León, president and CEO of Organics Unlimited, San Diego, Calif. 

“Bananas overall, both conventional and organic, have picked up a little bit. It’s a fruit people trust because it has a thick peel and they turn to for a quick snack.”

She said that fresh organic produce remains in high demand during the COVID-19 era, as sales numbers prove. 

“The pandemic has increased awareness around the importance of nutrition for health as well as the importance of a decentralized local food system,” Velazquez de León said. 

“Thanks to our strong network of small growers, we have been agile in our response to this increased demand. We’re working closely with growers to maintain a reliable, as-local-as-it-gets supply chain with produce at our distribution warehouse within three days from harvest.”

Positive-trending banana demand was also noted in Canada.

“We’ve seen a definite increase in demand for our bananas,” said Jennie Coleman, president of Equifruit Inc., Montreal. 

“At first, there was the panic buying effect, and then I think that consumers starting becoming more interested in socially responsible and sustainable brands.” 

She also said a more recent bump up in sales is likely attributable to the company’s rebranding, launched Jan. 1.

Consumers are spending more time at home during the pandemic, and that has been met by new ways for them to use bananas in recipes, said Jamie Postell, director of sales North America for Chiquita Brands LLC, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“As people continue to spend time at home, practice safety protocols while shopping, and have health at top of mind,” Postell said, “Chiquita has helped fans through this time by providing nutrient-dense recipes that allow bananas to be used throughout all stages of ripeness, minimizing trips to the grocery store while providing essential vitamins for a well-balanced diet.”

Postell said Chiquita also offered safe shopping tips in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and created fun virtual activities to do at home. 

“Delivered to retailers in recyclable boxes and with our bananas having little to none additional packaging due to their natural protective layer, we are able to reinforce our commitment to sustainable practices.”