The demand for bananas is increasing. Compared with the same period in 2020, the situation is different mainly due to the fact schools have reopened and despite the usual drop in orders and prices of the summer season. Were it not for a series of problems, things could be even more positive.
"There have been logistic difficulties in Italian ports - many ships arrived late, generating problems for operators. Planning is still being affected by this, as the post-Covid situation is still unclear with variables that cannot be determined by importers," explains Raffaele Lasciarrea, sales manager at Ilfres, a company specializing in the import of fresh produce.
"Unfortunately, bananas are often on special offer, which puts a pressure on prices and, in general, does not help the sector. We are trying to make big retail chains understand that they should focus on high quality when it comes to bananas too, just like they do for other products."
"What is more, as if this was not enough, we need to deal with the increased price of raw materials. Freight costs have skyrocketed, and transport and packaging have increased considerably. We are very worried, as we do not know where we will end up. We talked to various banana operators and producers at Fruit Attraction in Madrid, and we are all in the same boat."
"Clearly, we will have to redefine prices. In 2022, we will have to increase the price list of all services offered. But the risk with price increases is that they can have a significant impact also on the inflation of products."
For further information:
ILFRES Srl
Via Copenaghen 7
76011 - Bisceglie (BT) - Italy
+39 080 3925085
info@ilfres.com
lfres.com