Laos, a key banana supplier to China, has successfully delivered nearly 450 tons of bananas to Pinggu, Beijing, via the China-Laos Railway. The international cold chain special train, also known as the 'Beijing-Yunnan-Vientiane' line, departed from Vientiane, Laos, on November 24. This marks the beginning of regular operations for this new service, with plans to expand its operations to include more fresh produce shortly.

The Container Terminal of Marín, known as Termarín, is part of the Pérez Torres Group, one of the leading port operators on the Peninsula, with a presence in Spain, Portugal, and China. With a wide range of logistics services in more than 49 countries, it has become a benchmark in international port logistics.

In week 51, banana selling prices in St. Petersburg ranged from USD 17.45 to 18.40 per box CIF, depending on brand, volume, quality, and packing. Demand was weak. Nearly 2.09 million boxes were discharged, and around 1.41 million are expected for week 52. The exchange rate was 1 USD = 103.42 RUB. Inflation in the Russian Federation since the beginning of the year amounted to 9.14%, and consumer prices for the week from December 10 to December 16 increased by 0.35%, from the beginning of December by 0.97%, and from the start of the year by 9.14%, as reported by Rosstat. The Central Bank of Russia has kept its key interest rate at 21% despite market expectations of an increase. This decision comes amid high inflation and economic challenges, including the impact of Western sanctions and increased military spending. These economic factors are interconnected, with high inflation and a weak ruble contributing to the central bank's decision to keep interest rates high. The situation stays dynamic, with ongoing efforts to manage inflation and stabilize the currency. In the Mediterranean, prices for Ecuadorian bananas ranged from USD 14.00 to 15.00 per box CIF, depending on brand, volume, packing, and region. In Libya, traders reported prices of USD 14.00 per box CIF for Ecuadorian bananas and around USD 13.00 per box CIF for bananas from Egypt.

MSC has announced enhancements to its IAS India-Africa Service (IAS), which connects trade between West and South Africa, the Gulf, and India. These improvements aim to provide exporters in the Cape region with greater access to global markets. The IAS service will now replace its current call in Coega with a new eastbound call in Cape Town. This change will offer customers a direct connection between Cape Town and Jebel Ali / Abu Dhabi, specifically catering to reefer cargo.

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President of Cameroun Paul Biya has given 100 million FCFA to support the organization of the 3rd edition of the International Banana-Plantain Festival in the African country, which will be held from December 4 to 16, 2024. This information was conveyed in a letter from the Minister Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic to the National President of the Banana-Plantain Sector Actors of Cameroon.

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Agricultural associations in the Canary Islands have labelled the treaty signed between Europe and the economic bloc of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay as a "betrayal." Producers will protest on December 16 in front of the Ministry of Agriculture. Ruin, betrayal, or debacle are some of the terms used by Canary Islands banana producers to describe the consequences of the free trade agreement between the European Union and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) states on the primary sector of the Islands. The deal involves an 82% reduction in tariffs applied to imports from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

In 2023, the sales of Fairtrade products in Italy exceeded 500 million euros, marking a significant increase from previous years. Bananas, cocoa, sugar, and coffee were the top-selling Fairtrade products, with over 2,500 Fairtrade-branded items now available in Italy. This growth is a more significant trend as the demand for ethically sourced and sustainable products rises.

In October 2024, Peruvian banana exports reached 13,489 tons, generating revenues of $11.7 million. This represented an increase of 10.5% in volume and 13.9% in value compared to the same month of the previous year. According to the report, the growth was due to an increase in exported volume and an improvement in the average price. The main presentations of bananas exported in October were fresh (84.7%) and processed (15.3%). Regarding volume and value, fresh bananas reached 13,139 tons for $9.9 million, with an average price of $0.75 per kilogram. The primary destinations supplied with Peruvian bananas were the Netherlands (31.4% share), which imported 4,730 tons for $3.7 million.

According to data from the Coordination Office of Statistics of the Association of Banana Marketing and Export (ACORBANEC), from January to October 2024, Ecuador's banana exports reached 274.39 million boxes, a 0.50% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The European Union (27) remains the leading destination, absorbing 29.93% of total exports, followed by Russia with 18.23%, the Middle East with 13.48%, and the United States with 12.13%. Other markets include the Southern Cone with 6.76% and Africa with 5.86%.

The banana selling prices in Russia experienced significant fluctuations throughout the week, influenced by brand, quality, volume, and packaging. On Monday, prices were USD 16.65 per box CIF. By Tuesday, prices ranged from USD 17.10 to 18.00 per box, and from Thursday onwards, prices increased to USD 18.00 to 18.95 per box CIF, highlighting the volatility of the market. The sudden surge in prices was primarily due to two significant factors. Firstly, a report of a delayed vessel arrival, which was initially expected on December 2nd, caused a ripple effect in the market. Secondly, the substantial devaluation of the Ruble against the US Dollar further exacerbated the situation. During week 48, approximately 1.915 million boxes of bananas were discharged, indicating a healthy supply. Looking ahead to week 49, we anticipate a similar trend, with an estimated 1.5 million boxes expected to be discharged. The exchange rate was 1 USD = 109.58 RUB after having reached a maximum of 115 on Wednesday. The price disparity between Ecuadorian and Colombian or Central American bananas was significant in the Mediterranean. Ecuadorian bananas ranged from USD 15.00 to 16.00 per box CIF, depending on brand, volume, region, and packaging. However, in Algeria, prices were notably higher, ranging from USD 24.00 to 25.00 per box CIF due to limited volumes of bananas available.

Banana industry associations from Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, and the Dominican Republic have firmly rejected Edeka, Germany's largest supermarket chain, 's request to lower the prices of Latin American bananas during trade negotiations. In a joint statement, sector representatives warned that this demand threatens the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the banana industry in the region.

This December, Chiquita is excited to be a proud partner of Art Basel Miami in Beach 2024, bringing a burst of bright yellow and vibrant energy to one of the world's most prestigious art events. Known for its signature Blue Sticker and playful personality, Chiquita will engage with its fans and art lovers at the Miami Beach Convention Center, which will take place from December 6th to the 8th. Chiquita's debut at Art Basel in Miami Beach builds on a long-standing connection between bananas and the art world.

Edeka has inaugurated a cutting-edge fruit warehouse in the Port of Hamburg, refining fruits and vegetables from Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica. This milestone comes after years of contention with city authorities. The tropical fruits, including bananas, arrive by pallet at Dessauer Straße in the port, having been kept dormant at sea to halt the ripening process. At Edeka's new Fruchtkontor, the bananas are revived, ripened slowly at 12 to 13 degrees in extraordinary chambers, and then distributed to retail locations across Germany. The warehouse on a 37,000-square-meter plot on Kleiner Grasbrook is Europe's most modern fruit and vegetable facility.