Ecuadorian banana exporters to the Russian market have successfully implemented new phytosanitary protocols following the lifting of Russian restrictions, as reported to RIA Novosti by the ambassador of the South American nation in Moscow, Juan Fernando Holguín Flores. "Since the restrictions were lifted, the banana sector has successfully implemented new phytosanitary protocols, in coordination with the competent Ecuadorian authorities (Agrocalidad)," the diplomat stated.

Seatrade, the specialist reefer operator, is building six reefer container ships, marking a new phase in the reefer industry. The first of these ships has already been delivered. The Curacao-based Seatrade Group, under the leadership of chairman Yntze Buitenwerf, is expanding its modern reefer capacity to meet the growing demand for high reefer intake. The Seatrade Chile, a Liberian-flagged vessel with a capacity of 1,800 TEU, is equipped with 639 electrical plugs for refrigerated boxes, providing a reefer capacity of 1,278 TEU.

Banana selling prices in St. Petersburg ranged from USD 18.70 to 19.75 per box CIF, depending on brand, quality, volumes, and packing. Demand in most regions of the Russian Federation improved due to a decrease in fruit volumes from China and other origins other than Ecuador in Central Asian countries and former Soviet Union Republics. The conclusion of Ramadan also boosted banana consumption in Muslim territories. The exchange rate was 1 USD = 93.72 RUB. In the Mediterranean, prices were USD 16.0-17.0 per box CIF for Ecuadorian bananas, depending on the brand, volume, and region, with peaks up to USD 18.0 per box CIF in Libya for Ecuadorean bananas, while Central American bananas sold for around USD 2.0 less per box. In Algeria, prices remained high, reaching USD 2.0 per kg at retail. In the Mersin Free Zone, prices for re-exported bananas of Ecuadorian origin were USD 15.0-18.0 per box, depending on brand, quality, and volume, with peaks up to USD 19.0 per box for extra quality and high weight. Bananas from Central or Southern America were sold at USD 12.0-15.0 per box.

With a commitment to sustainability, Banacol leads the way in the banana industry, standing out for obtaining the carbon-neutral certification for two consecutive years. In the Urabá region, Banacol stands out for its agricultural production and leadership in sustainable environmental practices, an effort aligned with its mission to cultivate well-being for the community and the environment. This commitment has been recognized with carbon-neutral certification by the Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification (ICONTEC) in 2022 and 2023, marking Banacol as a benchmark in Colombia's fight against climate change.

In 2023, Phu Tho will have 24 banana production unit codes for domestic consumption and nine banana production unit codes for export. Recently, the quality of Phu Tho bananas has improved, along with branding. According to information from the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department of Phu Tho province, in 2023, the unit has issued 24 production unit codes to serve domestic consumption for over 300 ha of bananas, as well as coordinating with the Department of Plant Protection to issue 9 production unit codes for 250 ha of bananas for export.

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is seeking a civil fine of US$63.3 million against the Swiss-Italian Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The FMC alleges that MSC "knowingly and willfully" violated the U.S. Shipping Act during the Covid pandemic, according to a report by London's Lloyd's List. The FMC Office of Enforcement has also requested an administrative law judge to issue a cease-and-desist order against MSC due to its alleged "blatant disregard for the Shipping Act".

The Vado Gateway terminal aims to become one of the main hubs of automotive logistics. With the establishment of the Vehicle Logistic Vado company, a result of an agreement between the Fratelli Cosulich group and XCA (a company in turn formed by the collaboration between Arcese Trasporti and Conti), a commercial line is launched to import motor vehicles from China and use the quays of the Vado port as a gateway to Europe.

Quito, Ecuador.- During the Sustainability Summit 2024, held on April 11, REYBANPAC was recognized as one of the most sustainable companies in Ecuador under the "Triple Impact" methodology: economic, social, and environmental. "It is gratifying to see that our efforts in sustainability are reflected in recognitions like the one obtained today. These milestones are an incentive to continue our contribution to the development of our country, promoting the growth and well-being of the people," said Leonardo Viteri Andrade, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, who received this important award granted by the Ekos Group on behalf of the company.

In its flyer from April 4 to 10, the German supermarket chain Kaufland offered bananas from Ecuador and Colombia at a promotional price of €0.88 per kilogram. South American banana producers and exporters associations accuse: "These below-cost practices ignore the efforts of a sustainable supply chain. Supermarkets and discounters should inform consumers about the efforts behind a sustainable fruit, respecting certification standards and strict market regulations, by selling bananas at a fair price."

Fresh Del Monte focuses on Sicily, specifically Marsala, to produce small fruits under its brand. The official announcement of the investment will take place during the 3rd symposium on strawberries and small fruits at the 'A small fruits' company in Marsala. For years, Vito Gambina has been producing and selling raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and wild strawberries on regional and national markets, products from the company in the Strasatti district.

Adrián Prats, president of the National Banana Product System Committee, said that Mexican banana producers are enthusiastic about this project because it will reduce freight costs and allow the container to reach its destination directly. Prats Leal said that the Interoceanic Train passing through Teapa would enable them to send the fruit from Tabasco to the United States.

MSC is at risk of a $63 million fine from the United States Federal Maritime Commission for alleged violations of the Shipping Act. The Geneva-based company is accused of unfair commercial practices, explicitly charging excessive penalties for delays and counter-delays on non-operational refrigerated containers and incorrectly billing companies that had no contractual relationship with the shipping company.

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In St. Petersburg, banana selling prices ranged from USD 18.50 to 19.05 per box CIF, depending on the brand, volume, quality, and packing. Approximately 1.75 million boxes were discharged in week 14, with around 1.18 million boxes projected for week 15. The situation has improved in the former USSR republics of Central Asia as the volumes of imported Chinese bananas have nearly vanished. The exchange rate was 1 USD = 92.31 RUB, and the year-on-year inflation in the Russian Federation was 7.7%. Mediterranean prices ranged from USD 18.0 per box CIF for Ecuadorian bananas, depending on brand, volume, and region. The highest prices were achieved in Libya, around USD 19.0 per box CIF and USD 17.0 per box CIF for bananas of Central American origin, and in Algeria, where the price reached USD 23.0 per box CIF. According to local traders, new import licenses have been released, and Charterers required specialised reefer vessels for prompt loading to arrive at discharge ports Algiers or Orane within April. The first spot vessel might only be load-ready in Ecuador after 10-14 days, depending on the transit of the Panama Canal. There were no confirmations of any fixture for that destination, and bananas are expected to be shipped by container.

Colombia's banana export destinations continue to be dominated by the European Union, which absorbs 68% of total sales, followed by the U.S. with 16% and the U.K. with 15%. At the recent General Assembly of Affiliates of the Association of Banana Growers of Colombia (AUGURA), the crucial role banana producers have played for more than 60 years in the economic, social, and labour growth of the regions where they operate was highlighted. With a solid commitment to social investment, producers in the Urabá region have allocated an impressive 650,000 million pesos in housing, infrastructure, education, and health projects by 2023.