The UK banana market has become strong in recent weeks with various weather conditions in Latin America interrupting supply.
Prices on the wholesale markets reached 1600-1800p for 18kg due to a shortage of bananas.
The eruption of the Pacaya volcano, 30 miles south of Guatemala City and serious storms in the country were added to by the explosion into action from the Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador consequently affecting sendings to Europe.
Although Guatemalan bananas are not sent to the UK, Europe looked to plug supply using product from elsewhere including the UK’s largest suppliers.
One importer said: “The problem in Guatemala was mainly accessibility - the farms have lost acreage but mainly it was the problem of bridges and infrastructure interrupting exports.”
The weather in Colombia has also not helped the market, with short-term seasonal volume decline decreasing sendings ahead of the country’s August and September peak.
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