More than 60 companies in Japan are utilising imperfect bananas, which would otherwise be discarded, to combat food waste. Dole Japan Inc., the leader of this initiative, has introduced a new product called "banana charcoal." This innovative charcoal has attracted attention not only for its unique visual appeal but also for its ease of use and versatility in various applications. Japan imports approximately 1 million metric tons of bananas annually. Dole Japan handles between 200,000 and 250,000 tons of bananas each year, but around 20,000 tons are discarded annually in the Philippines, a major banana producer—due to not meeting market standards.

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In April 2025, APM Terminals Moín in Costa Rica launched a comprehensive modernisation project aimed at enhancing port performance and improving the customer experience, as stated in the company's announcement. The project is strategically scheduled during the country's low import and export season to minimise disruptions to trade. Its primary focus is on redeveloping the terminal's main access point to enhance speed and control in landside operations.

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In week 24, the price of bananas in St. Petersburg ranged from USD 23.05 to 24.30 per box CIF, depending on volume, brand, and packaging. Traders anticipate that sales will be unpredictable due to the extended holiday period from Thursday to Sunday for the Day of Russia festivities. Nearly 1.25 million boxes were discharged, and approximately 1.64 million boxes are expected for the upcoming week. The exchange rate was 1 USD=79.00 RUB. Prices for Ecuadorian bananas in the Mediterranean market ranged from USD 19.00 to USD 21.00 per box, CIF, while Central American bananas were priced around USD 18.00 per box, CIF. Prices varied based on brand, volume, packaging, and weight. In the Mersin Free Zone, the prices for re-exported Ecuadorian bananas were between USD 18.00 and USD 22.00 per box. In contrast, Central American bananas sold for approximately USD 16.00 to USD 18.00 per box. Traders reported a decrease in volumes compared to the previous week.

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Maersk has announced changes to its TA5 transpacific shipping route due to ongoing congestion at northern European ports. Starting June 25, vessels will no longer stop in Rotterdam and will instead travel directly from Felixstowe in the UK to Hamburg, Germany. This decision is in response to "current operational constraints" that hinder regular scheduling.

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On June 2, Dole announced new public-private partnerships to enhance its Information and Wellness Centers (CIBs), designed to provide essential services directly to farmworkers in rural Costa Rica. The announcement was made at the forum "Information and Wellness Centres: Public and Private Sector Partnerships that Improve Lives," where Dole signed memoranda of understanding with the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) and Banco Popular. These partnerships reinforce Dole's commitment to inclusive development and equitable access to services.

A new community investment program, funded by European consumers of Costa Rican bananas, aims to benefit families in the Limón region. In its first stage, the program will assist 200 families and is expected to expand to banana-growing communities in both the Caribbean and northern areas of Costa Rica soon. This initiative turns the purchases of Costa Rican bananas by European consumers into infrastructure and community projects that enhance the lives of people in these banana-growing areas.

While it ranks among the world's largest exporters of products such as table grapes, cherries, apricots, melons, and nuts, it has recently become an attractive market for foreign fruit suppliers. Despite the thriving fruit export sector, Uzbekistan's fruit imports have been growing impressively. Between 2021 and 2024, fruit exports increased from $341 million to $658 million, an impressive rise of 93%, effectively doubling the figure.

In week 23, the selling prices for bananas in St. Petersburg were as follows: from Monday to Wednesday, prices ranged from USD 21.75 to USD 23.00 per box, CIF. After Wednesday, prices increased from USD 23.00 to USD 24.25 per box, CIF. These prices varied based on brand, volume, and packaging. During this week, approximately 1.415 million boxes were discharged, and the same amount is expected for week 24. The exchange rate for the period was 1 USD = 79.17 Rub. Prices for Ecuadorian bananas in the Mediterranean ranged from USD 19.00 to USD 20.00 per box, CIF. For fruit of other origins , prices varied between USD 17.00 and USD 18.00 per box CIF , depending on the brand, volume, and packaging. In the Mersin Free Zone, the prices for Ecuadorian fruit re-exported to neighbouring countries were between USD 19.00 and USD 22.00 per box, while Central American fruit was priced around USD 16.00 to USD 18.00 per box.

Since the eruption of the La Palma volcano in September 2021, the Canary Islands' banana industry—particularly the "Plátano de Canarias"—has been under intense public and economic scrutiny. Initially, Spanish consumers responded with solidarity, purchasing locally grown bananas at a higher price to support affected farmers. This campaign, encouraged by institutions and individuals alike, aimed to offset crop losses caused by volcanic ash and lava.

This summer, Chiquita is making the streets of New York City a little brighter – and a lot more fun. The iconic banana brand is rolling out a fleet of eye-catching, Chiquita-branded buses across Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, bringing smiles and sunshine to the Big Apple's everyday commute. "From Times Square to Central Park, Chiquita is going bananas in the best way possible," said Juliana Furlan, Director of Marketing at Chiquita North America, in a recent press release.

The Philippines' export earnings grew by 7 per cent in April 2025, marking the slowest growth rate since December 2024, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Friday. The data revealed that export receipts rose to $6.75 billion in April 2025, up from $6.3 billion in the same month the prior year. In contrast, total export sales recorded annual increases of 8.7 per cent in March 2025 and 28.2 per cent in April 2024.