Costa Rica's banana sector exported 125.5 million boxes of bananas in 2024, 1.3% less than in the previous year.
2024 was a challenging year for Costa Rica's banana sector. "The weather conditions affected production. We started the year with a drought and ended it with too much rain," stated Marcial Chaverri, general manager of Corbana (National Banana Corporation). It's still a complex market for producers, especially in terms of profitability. "Remarkably, supermarket prices haven't changed for 20 years," Chaverri notes. Meanwhile, costs are rising, from pesticides to logistics and wages, putting pressure on exporters' margins.
© Corbana
"We are a non-state public company that works to promote banana production in Costa Rica. Currently, 100% of the country's banana farms are certified. We comply with all the certification requirements of the European and American markets, with Rainforest Alliance, GlobalGAP, and SMETA certificates, among many others. Complying with this requirement, however, entails significant costs. Some farms must have up to 10 different certifications, and the sector receives more than 80 external audits a year," he said.
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"Previously, certifications such as Fairtrade, Rainforest, or the organic label provided a market advantage. Today, they have become basic requirements to access the European and American markets and do not improve prices for the producer. They are no longer a competitive advantage; they are simply a gateway, and the product's price remains the same," he added.
The FOB reference price of Costa Rican bananas in the European Union stands at around $18.00 per box, according to Corbana's calculations. While this is not an official minimum price, it serves as a guideline for negotiations.
47% of Costa Rican banana exports go to Europe, 33% to the United States, 8% to the United Kingdom, and 12% to other destinations. However, global logistical challenges and recent geopolitical tensions in Europe create uncertainty. Chaverri stressed the importance of close cooperation with supermarkets to be able to respond effectively to future needs and negotiations.
To remain competitive, Corbana is promoting technological improvements in the production, packaging, and logistics process, as well as developing new marketing channels.
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"Costa Rica is a leader in environmental legislation and social security. That won't change. These values are deeply rooted in our banana sector, and we are determined to continue promoting them to the world."
"Our current strategy is focused on communicating more strongly the true value of Costa Rican bananas, not only as an agricultural product but also as a symbol of a culture of solidarity and commitment to the environment. In a market that demands more and more without reflecting it in the price, the banana industry faces the challenge of remaining competitive without compromising its product's quality, sustainability, or the welfare of those who produce it," he stated.
For more information:
Marcial Chaverri
Corbana
Costa Rica
Tel: (+506) 4002 4700
Email: webmaster@corbana.co.cr
www.corbana.co.cr