M. Shahbandeh
Research expert covering agriculture & FMCG
In North America, the humble banana may find itself half a world away from its origins of South East Asia. But like many an immigrant before, the banana has forged a formidable presence on the continent. In 2023, U.S. sales of bananas decreased by approximately 0.7 percent compare to the previous year.
Banana exporters will likely continue their attempts to expand their influence on North American markets. The amount of bananas imported into Canada has increased year on year since 2008 and bananas beat out all other fresh fruits in terms of per capita consumption in the United States. The per capita consumption of fresh bananas amounted to approximately 27 pounds in 2022. After all, the energy rich content of the banana and its edibility on the go mean it isn’t likely to lose its place among North America’s favorite fruits.
Banana production
A look at the world production of bananas, suggests that the thirst for bananas in North America cannot be quenched by local production. While Asia is the dominant region in terms of production quantity, South American countries have the strongest presence regarding banana exports. In 2022, Ecuador was the biggest player in the market, commanding a 28 percent share of banana exports worldwide.Banana trade and consumption
Guatemala, Ecuador, and Costa Rica were the largest supplier of banana for the United States. In 2021, the United States received its largest amount of banana imports from Guatemala, valued at 1.1 billion U.S. dollars.Banana exporters will likely continue their attempts to expand their influence on North American markets. The amount of bananas imported into Canada has increased year on year since 2008 and bananas beat out all other fresh fruits in terms of per capita consumption in the United States. The per capita consumption of fresh bananas amounted to approximately 27 pounds in 2022. After all, the energy rich content of the banana and its edibility on the go mean it isn’t likely to lose its place among North America’s favorite fruits.
