While the quality is still strong on organic bananas, there is a shortage in supply from some banana-producing regions. This, alongside high prices in bananas from Mexico, means that a significant portion of bananas is currently being directed to the domestic markets of banana-growing regions, says Mayra Velazquez de León, President and CEO of Organics Unlimited. "Despite these challenges, we are fulfilling our contract volume. Ecuador's banana production remains stable, ensuring a steady supply," she adds.
She notes that production is higher this year than last year's. "Our banana production has been stable, thanks to the consistent supply from South America and Mexico. However, we have observed that other suppliers have not been able to fulfill their contracts, primarily due to adverse weather conditions and pricing challenges," says Velazquez de León.
Along with Ecuador and Mexico, other regions exporting both organic and conventional bananas into the U.S. are Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru, and Colombia.
Demand to strengthen once school starts
As for organic banana demand, it has increased given the shortage from some suppliers. However, this demand is starting to stabilize. "As the new school year approaches, we typically see an increase in banana demand, which remains high until Thanksgiving, followed by a dip. A similar pattern occurs during the Christmas season," says Velazquez de León.
Factoring into this could also be the fact that over the last decade, Organics Unlimited has seen a significant increase in the consumption of organic bananas. "As more people recognize the benefits of organic produce for both our diets and the planet, the demand for organic bananas has steadily grown. Organic farming practices promote healthier soils, reduce the use of harmful pesticides, and support biodiversity, making them a more sustainable choice for our environment. Additionally, organic bananas are free from synthetic chemicals, providing a healthier option for consumers."
Even with this though, pricing remains a challenge for organic bananas. After all, the prices of bananas have been pressured to remain as low as possible by multinationals, which has significantly impacted growers. "For decades, growers have been advocating for more sustainable pricing, but progress has been minimal. As a result, growers are still facing financial difficulties," says Velazquez de León, adding that it continues to support fair pricing practices to ensure the sustainability and well-being of its growers and the industry as a whole."
Strengthening pricing isn't the only challenge organic banana growers and shippers face of course. Other challenges include issues such as disease and pests, climate change, labor conditions, market access, and trade barriers. "Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts from governments, industry stakeholders, and consumers to promote sustainable practices, fair pricing, and investment in research and infrastructure," says Velazquez de León.
For more information:
Mayra Velazquez de León
Organics Unlimited
Tel: (+1) 619-710-0658
[email protected]
www.organicsunlimited.com