Banana monthly review: January 2019

The banana supply remained moderate throughout January. Limited shiploads over the festive period meant moderate incoming shipments over the first few weeks, which helped thin out the stocks in place. African volumes were below average since although Côte d’Ivoire maintained near-average levels in its seasonal trough, the Cameroonian shortfall persisted. The French West Indies maintained a stable supply. As regards the dollar banana, Colombia and Costa Rica were in their seasonal downturn, with levels slightly in shortfall because of smaller shiploads and unfavourable climate conditions. However, they were more than offset by Ecuadorian volumes, historically high this month to the European market (15 % above average). Demand was slow over the first few weeks, and then picked up, helping thin out stocks and even prices to strengthen slightly. Thanks to Ecuador’s trade policy in favour of the EU, the market was well supplied. Despite this more dynamic demand, not all stocks could be sold off. Similarly, the slight strengthening in prices did not live up to expectations for this time of year, and they remained 13 % below average.

banana - germany - green price