As the number one fruit consumed in France, with a 18% share of the market by volume, bananas are appealing thanks to their many advantages, including their price. But this growth contrasts, according to the Interprofessional Banana Association (AIB), with a global context marked by major challenges (climate, logistics, economy). At a time when international trade is slowing down, all players in the French banana sector need to share responsibility in order to ensure the availability and long-term future of this emblematic fruit. "As a sector, our responsibility is to ensure that bananas remain accessible to as many people as possible, while meeting the challenges of a changing market," explains Philippe Pons, president of AIB.
AIB
The banana is the fruit most eaten by the French
For many years now, the banana has been one of the most popular fruits in France. In fact, it has enjoyed "uninterrupted growth in consumption in recent years, thanks to its many advantages: convenience, nutritional benefits and accessibility," according to AIB. "The quantities purchased by French households jumped by 6% between 2020 and 2024. The banana has become the number 1 fruit consumed in France, with an 18% market share by volume among fruits. This growth has been made possible by retail prices that have remained very affordable (€1.86/kg [1.96 USD/kg] on average in 2024), with a contained increase (+7% in 4 years) given the inflationary context for food over the period."
"The growth of the French market is an exception on the world stage"
"However, this growth on the French market is something of an exception on the world stage. Faced with an ever-increasing number of rapid changes, and as many challenges to overcome (climatic, logistical, economic), the banana market is facing a new reality. World trade in bananas has begun to decline in recent years, falling below the 20 million ton mark by 2022.
The need for shared responsibility
"In France, so far, the sector has managed to adapt thanks to the efforts of all those involved. It has long been committed to sustainability. But while the benefits of CSR transitions are well known, they also entail managing risks of various kinds (agricultural, logistical...), due to ever-increasing uncertainties. A collective commitment is needed to meet these new challenges while maintaining the accessibility of the product. The future of banana consumption in France depends on shared responsibility, which is essential if we are to help defend the value of the product.
For more information:
AIB
labanane.info