Bananas
Retailers and customers are preparing for rising prices, supply disruptions and potentially less variety.
Unusually strong ocean swells created a chokepoint for tropical fruit exporters at Costa Rica’s most important Pacific port, and retailers can expect schedule disruptions and reduced supplies in the coming weeks, says Fresh Del Monte’s Raul Saca.
Fresh Del Monte is warning such a shortage is on the horizon, with shifting climate patterns and disease pressures resulting in diminished supplies in key growing regions like Costa Rica, where production is down 23%.
Jennie Coleman, president of Equifruit and Chief Banana Badass, shares the challenges to enacting meaningful change, the importance of sustainability to the future of the industry and more.
Upgrading to Fairtrade-certified bananas cost less than a single sock, according to the company.
The company is among the founding signatories on the “Silence Does Not Protect” campaign by the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Fair Trade Small Producers and Workers.
Equifruit’s Jennie Coleman discusses the ongoing challenge to raise Fairtrade-certified banana prices in support of fair pay for farmers.
The Banana Association of North America warns that 10% reciprocal tariffs could raise banana costs exponentially at supermarkets.
PwC presented the Irish fruit importer with the ‘Sustainable Project of the Year: Agrifood’ award.
The Montreal-based Fairtrade banana company also has been recognized as one of The Globe and Mail’s “Canada’s Top Growing Companies” for three consecutive years.
The U.S. imported about 10.4 billion pounds, up from 10.2 billion pounds in 2023, according to the USDA.
Rising costs for farm inputs, labor, transportation and more are creating pressure to balance profitability and retail prices.
The museum timed the three-month Bobby Banana display to coincide with Dole’s 125th “Banana-Versary,” a year-long celebration of the global produce company’s 125 years in the banana business.
Fresh Del Monte Produce was recently awarded a 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Award in the Environmental Initiative category for the JUNTOS Project.
Bananas top the list of “must-buy” fruits and vegetables on shoppers’ grocery trips, followed by grapes and apples, finds a new national banana survey commissioned by Dole Food Co.
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.
Global fair-trade non-profit has unveiled virtual banana stunt at COP27 to highlight the risks climate change poses on the food system.
The company’s “Small Change, Big Difference” campaign, which promotes support for breast cancer patients and prevention, is in partnership with the American Cancer Society.
The produce supplier and supermarket chain create a display with more than 77,000 pounds of bananas in Westmont, Ill.
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.
Compared with some other foods, inflation was nearly a no-show for banana imports in 2022.
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.
“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.
Equifruit did not become a North American market leader for Fairtrade-certified bananas by being boringly conventional.
“By targeting this expanding market segment, we aim to attract consumers who prioritize health and are environmentally conscious ...” said Ahiby Rodriguez, trade marketing manager for Fyffes North America.
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.
Dole Food Co. is asking self-proclaimed non-banana eaters to share their “life-without-bananas” stories, photos and videos.
“It Peels So Good” tells the story of a banana company with a rich history and a bright future, according to the brand.
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.
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.