The Banana, a Fruit at the Heart of Climate and Sustainability Issues
The banana, the most widely consumed and traded fruit, is paradoxically at the center of climate and sustainability issues. While Latin American countries, the main suppliers to the United States and the European Union, are facing a threat of decreasing yields by 2050 due to diseases and water stress, African producers could benefit from this situation.
The report "Climate change could compromise European and US banana sourcing" published by the Dutch group Rabobank predicts that the impacts of global warming will have a globally positive effect on banana production in Africa. More favorable climate conditions and improved yields are expected, particularly in Côte d'Ivoire, the continent's top producer. This development represents a significant strategic opportunity for African countries in a market eager to diversify its supply chain in the face of risks weighing on traditional actors such as Colombia, Costa Rica, or Ecuador.
However, for this favorable perspective to fully materialize, the report emphasizes the need for Africa to increase its investments in phytosanitary management, productivity growth, and logistical infrastructure development. These efforts are essential for guaranteeing the competitiveness of African producers and their ability to meet the requirements of European and American markets.
Regarding Tunisia, although it is not among the banana-producing countries, it has experienced significant disruptions in its banana supply, leading to price increases. In response to this situation, Zouhaïer Bouzaïene, director of economic research at the Ministry of Commerce, recently indicated that the ministry has intervened to guarantee a regular supply of bananas. This intervention includes a rigorous monitoring of the banana journey, from cold storage facilities to wholesale and retail markets. Thanks to these measures, prices have returned to their normal level, without exceeding the 7,500 millimes per kilo ceiling set by the Ministry of Commerce.
