Banana

Bananas are the second most popular fruit among Germans after apples. Mostly the Bananas consumed in the EU are imported from Latin America, where 80 per cent are grown on medium-large plantations. The most important producer countries for the world market are Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Colombia. Germany is one of the largest importers of bananas and thus contributes significantly to the problems in the producing countries. 

Producer organisations are facing the effects of climate change and have to deal with biodiversity loss, soil degradation, the TR4 fungus and increasing production costs. In addition to the ecological challenges, there are also serious social grievances, such as the low pay of workers on the plantations or the health risks posed by the pesticides used. 

Aggressive price negotiations by food retailers with traders and banana producers' organisations keep prices low. This further reduces the scope for improving growing conditions.