Consumer demand for bananas still strong, suppliers say

U.S. banana suppliers say the industry remains robust, despite some recent weather challenges in certain growing areas, and they anticipate continued growth in 2025.

The U.S. imported about 10.4 billion pounds of bananas valued at about $2.43 billion in 2024, up from 10.2 billion pounds valued at $2.38 billion in 2023, according to the USDA.

“As a staple fruit enjoyed by consumers of all ages, bananas remain one of the most affordable and versatile options available,” said Jamie Postell, vice president of sales for Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Chiquita North America.

Chiquita continues to see strong demand for bananas, with sales performing steadily across key markets, he said.

“This time of year is an excellent opportunity for retailers to promote bananas, especially as consumers seek healthy, convenient options post-holiday season and into the new year,” he said.

Chiquita sources bananas primarily from Central and South America, including key regions such as Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Ecuador, said Juliana Furlan, director of marketing.

“We have a well-established supply chain and logistics network, allowing us to mitigate potential disruptions,” she said.

Mexico's banana volume tightened in January, but that's typical for that time of year, said Kim Chackal, co-owner and vice president of sales and marketing for Montreal-based Equifruit Inc.

“We anticipate steady volumes from all our sourcing countries,” she said, which include primarily Ecuador as well as Peru, Colombia and Mexico.

“Supply is steady, and we are onboarding new growers as our list of customers grows,” she added.

Last year, Equifruit's sales grew 50%, Chackal said, “and we don't expect to slow down.”

The company recently launched a trial with Sprouts Farmers Market in Arizona, Nevada and parts of Texas, which could significantly increase its footprint in the U.S. market, she said.

Chackal said the January to June window, while consumers are still sticking to their New Year's resolutions and markets are frozen in most of North America, is a good time to promote the fruit.

Equifruit is a 100% Fairtrade, women-owned B Corp, Chackal said, so its retail partners have opportunities to promote Equifruit bananas during B Corp month in March, on International Women's Day on March 8, and during Fairtrade month in October.

Although he said banana sales remain strong, Bil Goldfield, director of corporate communications for Dole Food Co., Charlotte, N.C., said he does not recommend retail promotions at this time because the supply is limited because of “natural production cycles and logistical challenges across the industry.

“Current production is at a low point in its cycle, and weather-related disruptions, port congestion and other shipping and discharge challenges have impacted overall availability,” he said.

Dole sources bananas from eight countries in Latin America.

“This diversified sourcing strategy allows us to mitigate supply disruptions by adjusting allocations across countries,” Goldfield said.

Sales also are “strong and consistent” for Miami-based Kapi Kapi Growers, said Sofia Acon, president.

The company sources bananas primarily from Costa Rica but has expanded its sourcing regions to include Ecuador and the Dominican Republic.

“This diversification enhances our ability to prevent supply shortages, ensuring a consistent flow of premium product despite weather challenges or logistical disruptions,” she said.

Costa Rica faced some adverse weather challenges this year, Acon said, “but we prioritize quality every step of the way; we're committed to delivering the best product despite the changing conditions.”

Kapi Kapi Growers is all about growth, Acon added.

“Our commitment to quality, innovation and strong partnerships keeps us on track for another year of expansion,” she said.

Banana shippers typically offer organic versions of their fruit as well as conventional, and they say organic sales are on the rise.

Dole holds the largest market share of organic bananas in North America, and they play a key role in the company's growth strategy, Goldfield said.

“Organic banana sales continue to rise, reflecting growing consumer demand for health-conscious and environmentally sustainable food choices as well as Dole's leadership role in category expertise,” he said.

The company is prepared to support the expanding demand for organic bananas, Goldfield said.

Most of the bananas Equifruit sells are organic, Fairtrade bananas, and Chackal said, “We are seeing an upward trend on demand across the board.”

Chiquita has experienced steady growth in the organic category as well, Postell said.

“Consumer demand for organic produce continues to increase, particularly among younger, health-conscious shoppers,” he said.

Chiquita's distribution of organic bananas has expanded, making them more accessible across various retail locations, he added.

Organic bananas and plantains are new additions to Kapi Kapi Growers' portfolio, and the company is actively investing in their growth, Acon said.

“Our goal is to steadily increase the organic bananas program while maintaining high-quality standards,” she said.