MSC has solidified its commitment to sustainable maritime operations by commissioning Zhoushan Changhong International Shipbuilding to construct a fleet of twelve 19,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel containerships. This new contract continues MSC's strategic partnership with the Chinese shipyard after successfully commissioning twenty LNG-powered vessels of varying capacities.

Through a technical cooperation agreement between the national government and the banana sector, awareness workshops and training sessions were conducted, and 50 biosecurity kits were distributed. These kits consisted of four litres of quaternary ammonium, 500 grams of Biologicals—Trichoderma sp, a 50-kilo bag of Edaphic Fertilizer, and two 50-kilogram bags of composted organic matter.

Antes de la crisis del Mar Rojo, había un exceso de oferta de contenedores. Sin embargo, desde que comenzó la crisis, los viajes desde Asia a los mercados de Estados Unidos y Europa se han prolongado, pasando del exceso de oferta a la escasez. Este año, se espera que registre una de las mayores producciones de contenedores, y los fabricantes informan que estarán reservados en su totalidad para octubre.

Citronex, the Polish banana importing powerhouse, is embarking on an ambitious expansion in South America with a comprehensive multi-year strategy. Currently boasting five state-of-the-art banana ripening facilities across Romania, Poland, and Hungary, Citronex is set to surpass the import milestone of 18 million boxes this year alone. The company's flagship Yellow brand sources premium bananas from esteemed Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica producers.

As part of the 'Peru 2M: Know the fertility of your soil' campaign, the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA) has transferred methodologies and protocols for correct sampling and analysis of soil quality in organic banana crops. This initiative is aimed at the integral role of producers in the Santa Ana sector in the district of La Huaca, province of Paita, Piura region.

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In St. Petersburg, banana prices dropped considerably during the week and fluctuated between USD 10.55 and USD 11.65 per box CIF. These prices were contingent upon factors such as brand, quality, volume, and packaging. The lack of robust demand negatively impacted sales. During week 34, approximately 1.284 million boxes were discharged, and around 1.141 million boxes are projected to be discharged in week 35. The prevailing exchange rate was 1 USD = 91.29 RUB. According to Rosstat, the State Statistics Service, the year-on-year inflation rate stood at 9.04%. In the Mediterranean, Ecuadorean bananas were priced between USD 16.0 and 18.0 per box, CIF with the cost varying depending on brand, volume, region, and quantity. In Libya, Ecuadorean bananas were priced around USD 21.0-22.0 per box CIF, while Mexican bananas were sold at approximately USD 20.0 per box CIF. In the Mersin Free Zone, re-exported bananas of Ecuadorean origin were priced between USD 15.0 and USD 18.0 per box, depending on brand, volume, packing, and weight.

According to National Statistics Committee data, Kyrgyzstan increased its imports of bananas from Ecuador by 36% in the first six months of 2024. Kyrgyzstan imported 16,100 tons of bananas from Ecuador for $10 million in January-June 2024. In the first six months of 2023, Kyrgyzstan imported 11,800 tons of bananas for $7.2 million.

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MSC is closing in on a 20% market share in the container shipping industry, setting a new record for any liner operator. As reported by Alphaliner, MSC has expanded its fleet by at least 400,000 TEUs this year alone. The Swiss-Italian market leader's share of the operated fleet increased to 19.8% by the end of July, the highest figure ever recorded by a carrier. Only Maersk Line, which MSC overtook in 2022, has previously come close to such market dominance. Maersk's market share peaked at 19.4% in 2018 but has been downward for five consecutive years.

Celebrating its 125th year in the banana industry, Dole Food Company is hosting the first-ever Dole Great American Banana Challenge on August 24 as part of the Great American Banana Split Celebration, which will take place from August 24 to 25, 2024, in Latrobe, PA. Dole has committed to sponsoring this annual event until 2027. The Banana Challenge rules state that participants who can peel and eat the most DOLE Bananas within 125 seconds on the Robindale Main Stage will be awarded the inaugural Dole Banana Challenge Belt.

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Lidl GB has introduced a pioneering tool designed to calculate the premium paid to banana workers, ensuring fair compensation aligns with living wage standards. Initially trialled by Lidl Germany, this tool will be implemented across Lidl GB’s banana supply chain starting in September.

Agricultural imports from Vietnam to South Korea have seen a remarkable surge, with a 55% increase in the first half of this year, totalling US$164 million. This growth signifies Vietnam’s expanding role in the global agricultural market, with South Korea emerging as its second-largest agrarian trading partner, just behind China.

Due to weak demand, Banana selling prices in St. Petersburg, depending on brand, volume, quality, and packaging, experienced a noticeable decrease compared to the previous week. The presence of large volumes of local summer fruit available to consumers at competitive prices has impacted banana sales. The lowest prices reported by local traders were USD 10.40 per box CIF, with the main prices hovering around USD 12.05-13.20 per box CIF. Approximately 973,000 boxes were discharged in week 33, and around 1.294 million boxes are expected for week 34. The exchange rate was 1USD = 92.66 RUB. In the Mediterranean, the banana market has been stable, with prices primarily ranging from USD 16.00 to USD 18.00 per box CIF for Ecuadorian bananas. These prices are influenced by brand recognition, volume, packaging, and regional preferences. Libya is an exception, where premium brands of Ecuadorian bananas command higher prices, approximately USD 20.50 to USD 21.00 per box CIF. Central American and Mexican bananas also have distinct pricing tiers in this market, and the paramount price for those origins was around USD 19.0 per box CIF. In Algeria, prices have escalated compared to the previous week, with Ecuadorian bananas quoted between USD 19.50 and USD 20.00 per box CIF.