Bananas emerge from the shadow of seasonal fruits.

Summer is a period during which bananas clearly fall behind in consumer interest. Of course, the banana sales season in Poland lasts all year round, but in the summer these fruits are clearly overshadowed by the offering of seasonal fruits. However, as the summer vacations come to an end, bananas slowly start to emerge from this shadow. The competition from domestic fruits decreases, so many consumers prefer to choose bananas. Especially when prices are relatively low.

At the beginning of September 2024, the prices of imported bananas from Latin America in the Polish wholesale market are mostly in the range of 4.22-5.00 PLN/kg (0.99-1.17 EUR/kg). This is relatively high for bananas, especially considering that the summer period is typically not the peak supply phase for these fruits from Latin American countries, although it is generally better than the spring period.

Even with this seasonal factor in mind, banana prices are currently quite elevated in the Polish wholesale market. A year ago, the average selling price in this distribution channel was 3.81 PLN/kg (0.89 EUR/kg). Now, it stands at 4.61 PLN/kg (1.08 EUR/kg), representing a 21% increase. However, these prices are not particularly unusual for this time of the season. For example, just two years ago, at the beginning of September, the average price was 4.64 PLN/kg (1.08 EUR/kg).

The competitive position of bananas in the Polish fresh fruit market is therefore not particularly advantageous, as the prices of these fruits are not low. But it is also not very bad. Moreover, it does not depend solely on banana prices, but also on the prices of the main player on the domestic side, i.e., Polish apples. With lower yields this year, apples in stores are unlikely to be cheap, which will to some extent benefit bananas.