Ukraine in 2019 updated its historical record for banana imports, having purchased about 275,000 tons, up by 8-9% YoY.
Experts say a record volume of banana imports to Ukraine has been observed against the background of growing output of Ukrainian fruit and berries and a decreased number consumers due to loss of control over the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, the East Fruit analytical platform’s press service said, referring to the Ukrainian Horticultural Association.
In 2019 average annual consumption of bananas in Ukraine grew to over 6 kg per capita, up by 20-22% from 2013. According to the Investment Center of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, banana consumption in Ukraine continues to grow, despite the imbalance in the prices of bananas and apples in the domestic market.
“Even in the second half of 2019, when apple prices almost doubled, bananas, as before, were sold at a price which was 70-80% higher on average at retail, while their imports continued to grow. In the first half of the season, when retail prices of bananas were three times those of apples, banana imports also hit record heights,” the press service quoted economist from the FAO Investment Center Andriy Yarmak as saying.
According to the expert, one consumer in Ukraine spent about UAH 170 ($7.18) on bananas last year, whereas only about UAH 110 ($4.65) on apples on average. (UNIAN/Business World Magazine)