Maintaining the highest standards of quality and food safety has become a key requirement for competing in European markets. In this context, Europlátano has renewed its IFS Food certification for 2026 at its plants in Tenerife South and Palomares, achieving the Higher Level—the top qualification granted by this international standard. This accomplishment positions Europlátano as the only company in the banana sector with this recognition in the Canary Islands.

Between January and November 2025, non-oil, non-mining exports solidified their role as Ecuador's primary source of foreign exchange. According to a report by the Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (Fedexpor), published on January 19, 2026, these exports totalled $22.992 billion, reflecting year-on-year growth of 18%. They accounted for 68% of the country's total exports. This strong performance resulted in a total trade surplus of $5.796 billion, with a favourable balance of $4.644 billion in non-oil, non-mining exports. FedExpor emphasised that this sector has emerged as Ecuador's leading source of foreign exchange.

Maersk has finalised plans to reinstate regular sailings on its India-U.S. East Coast MECL service via the Red Sea and Suez Canal, following two successful trial voyages, according to the *Journal of Commerce* in New York. The new schedule is set to begin with a departure from India in late January or early February. A Maersk executive from the Middle East stated that MECL will soon permanently use the Suez route, although the company has not publicly confirmed any further details. The 6,648-TEU Maersk Sebarok navigated the Suez Canal in December, followed by the 6,200-TEU Maersk Denver this week. Both vessels are part of the MECL service that connects India to the U.S. East Coast.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has raised the civil penalty against the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to over $22 million for charging excessive late fees on non-operating reefer containers. This amount is an increase from the previous $16 million, as reported by New York's Journal of Commerce. The FMC's three commissioners partially overturned an administrative law judge's February 2025 ruling, which found the overcharges were a billing mistake. The investigation found that MSC charged shippers late fees on non-operating reefers at the higher rates typically charged for operating reefers throughout 2021.

CMA CGM has taken delivery of the CMA CGM Monte Cristo, a dual-fuel methanol container vessel with a capacity of 15,000 TEU. This delivery marks the company's fleet reaching 400 owned ships and initiates a six-ship series of newbuilds capable of operating on methanol, as stated in an official company announcement. The naming ceremony took place on January 21, 2026, in Tianjin. The CMA CGM Monte Cristo is designed as a new-generation dual-fuel methanol vessel, in line with the company's fleet renewal strategy. Built at the DSIC Tianjin Shipyard, the ship will fly under the Maltese flag. It has a maximum intake of 16,204 TEU, approximately 1,000 reefer plugs, a length of 366 meters, and a beam of 51 meters.

In week 04, banana selling price for Ecuadorian bananas, in St. Petersburg was USD 20.00 to USD 20.35 per box CIF on Monday and Tuesday. From Tuesday onward, traders aimed to achieve a price of USD 23.95 per box CIF, but they initially struggled to meet this target. Prices were according to brand, volume, packing and weight. Approximately 2.35 million boxes were discharged, and nearly 2.38 million boxes are expected for week 05. The exchange rate was 76.04 Rubles for 1 USD. Prices for Ecuadorian bananas in the Mediterranean ranged from USD 16.00 to USD 17.00 per box CIF, depending on the brand, volume, region, and packing.

The Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE), the world's leading banana exporter, has achieved BASC (Business Alliance for Safe Trade) certification, becoming the first banana organisation globally to earn this international safety standard. The accreditation was announced during AEBE's annual assembly and highlighted in a statement from the association. "This recognition is the result of collective effort and sends a clear message to international markets: the Ecuadorian banana sector operates with high standards of safety, trust, and responsibility," stated AEBE President Jorge Encalada.

After more than 20 years of research, Argentina's National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) is beginning to see concrete results from a genetic improvement program that could reshape banana production in the country's north. In Laguna Naineck, Formosa, researchers have developed 30 advanced Cavendish banana lines adapted to local growing conditions, offering higher yields, improved commercial quality, and greater disease resistance.

Sun Meijun, Minister of China's General Administration of Customs, and Vladimir Cuno, Minister of Agricultural Development and Irrigation of Peru, have announced the signing of phytosanitary protocols for the export of fresh bananas and pomegranates to the People's Republic of China. Minister Cuno and Minister Sun led the signing ceremony.

Starting January 1, 2026, the European Union will implement the "European Green Deal," a series of technical initiatives and standards aimed at counteracting the effects of climate change until 2050. This initiative presents a significant opportunity for our agricultural producers to cultivate tropical fruits that are highly valued in Europe and the United States.

In week 46, banana selling prices in St. Petersburg ranged from USD 20.00 to USD 21.35 per box, CIF, depending on brand, volume and packing. The market has not improved due to weak demand for the fruit. Approximately 1.58 million boxes were discharged, and nearly 1.67 million boxes are expected in the incoming week. The exchange rate for the US dollar was 80.60 RUB. Prices for Ecuadorian bananas in the Mediterranean ranged from approximately $15.00 to $16.00 per box, CIF. Pricing depended on factors such as brand, volume, packaging, and region. In Libya, both Ecuadorian and Central American bananas were selling for around $18.00 per box, CIF.

Shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk reported solid financial results for the third quarter of 2025, despite experiencing decreased profitability due to ongoing pressure on ocean freight rates. Revenue for the third quarter fell by 9.9% year-on-year to $14.2 billion, with EBITDA dropping to $2.7 billion from $4.8 billion. The revenue decline was mainly attributed to the Ocean segment, which saw an 18% drop in revenue due to a 31% decline in loaded freight rates.

Colombian producers are set to export cocoa, coffee, and bananas to China following agreements established in Shanghai. China is expected to begin importing 80,000 tons of coffee, 15,000 tons of bananas, and 10,000 tons of cocoa annually. These figures are anticipated to solidify thanks to partnerships formed after Colombia joined the Belt and Road Initiative, China's global trade and infrastructure strategy.

Fyffes has been commended for its ongoing contribution to environmental sustainability at the prestigious FPC Fresh Awards gala ceremony held in London recently. The global banana and fruit producer was honoured with the ‘Ethical Sustainability Excellence’ 2025 award, on foot of what adjudicators termed ‘Fyffes respect for people, communities and planet’. “The organisation sets a shining example of how multi-national businesses can engage collective efforts to grow produce responsibly, and enrich people’s lives for a fairer, resilient future,” they added.

Banana production in Ecuador has slowed for the third consecutive month due to cold weather and declining yields. According to the Ecuadorian Banana Exporters Association (AEBE), after a 5.89% increase in shipments in May, growth fell to 5.47% in June, 4.95% in July, and 4.26% in August. Despite remaining positive overall in 2025, Ecuador's banana exports are showing signs of deceleration.