With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Mr. Pasquale Mastricci an Italian entrepreneur of great experience and for decades a leading figure in the international banana trade. Since 1992 he worked with passion and competent in Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and other producing countries, contributing to the development of commercial relations between Latin America and Europe.

Brazilian banana exports declined significantly in April after a strong start to the year, primarily due to rising regional supply and intensified Competition, which reduced international demand. In April, Brazil exported approximately 5,952 short tons of bananas, a 22 per cent decrease from March, according to data from Hortifruti Brasil. Additionally, FOB revenue fell by 30 per cent to $24.13 million, according to Comex Stat.

In the first quarter of 2026, the Piura department of Peru reported exports totalling US$954 million, marking an 11.6% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to SUNAT data reported by ComexPerú. This figure accounted for 3.5% of Peru's total exports during that period, which reached US$27.217 billion. Lima led the nation in exports, totalling US$ 3.714 billion, followed by Arequipa at US$ 3.057 billion, Ica at US$ 3.026 billion, Áncash at US$ 2.558 billion, and Puno at US$ 2.409 billion.

In St. Petersburg, the price of bananas during week 23 averaged around USD 16.60 per box CIF, with sales ranging from USD 15.25 to USD 16.60 per box CIF, depending on the brand, volume, and packaging. Nearly 1.93 million boxes were discharged, and approximately 1.243 million boxes are expected in week 24. The exchange rate was 74.30 RUB for 1 USD. In the Mediterranean, prices for Ecuadorian bananas ranged from USD 18.00 to USD 20.00 per box CIF, varying by brand, volume, region, and packaging. Central American bananas were sold for approximately USD 2.00 per box less.

In a striking scene for Colombia's Urabá region—a mangrove area nestled between the Caribbean Sea and Panama—a Super-Post Panamax ship, capable of carrying 15,000 containers, is docked at a 1,340-meter offshore platform. This platform, connected to the land by a 3.8-kilometre viaduct, was designed by the French company Eiffage. It serves as the gateway to Puerto Antioquia, a massive port inaugurated this year, designed to reduce the distance between Colombia's producing regions and European markets.

JBS Terminais, a part of JBS, is expanding its international shipping services at the Port of Itajaí (SC) by adding two new long-haul lines, bringing the total to 12. The company plans to invest approximately R$ 9 million in this expansion. The new "UCLA/Gulf to SAEC String 1" line will connect Itajaí to the east coast of the U.S., the Caribbean, and northern South America, serving markets like Houston and Cartagena.

Farmers in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, are increasingly adopting organic farming practices for banana cultivation. Notably, farmers along the banks of the Ganga River are also engaging in horticulture. As part of the 'Namami Gange' project, there is a growing trend among farmers in the Prayagraj region to utilise organic farming methods, driven by efforts to reduce the excessive use of chemicals and pesticides.

Costa Rica's agricultural sector is bracing for a strong El Niño phenomenon expected to begin in the latter half of this year and potentially extend into 2027. Producers are adapting by adjusting planting schedules, reinforcing irrigation and drainage systems, and enhancing pest monitoring to mitigate risks associated with drought, heat, and unpredictable rainfall.

Disease outbreaks, competitive pressures, and market requirements are compelling banana exporters to modify production methods, invest in technology, and enhance the quality of their cultivation areas to maintain export momentum. In April 2026, large areas of the Cavendish banana plantation owned by Union Trading Investment JSC in Binh Long Ward, Dong Nai City, exhibited symptoms such as yellowing leaves, wilting, and reduced productivity.

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of the Indonesian government recently issued a press release highlighting the potential to process cassava and bananas into modified flour. This initiative is designed to increase the value of local commodities while extending the shelf life of agricultural products. Ade Saepudin, an Associate Engineer at BRIN, explained that Indonesia is the world's second-largest producer of cassava, following Brazil, with production reaching 21 million tons. However, fresh cassava tubers spoil quickly and may contain cyanide if not processed promptly.

A new banana variety with light-coloured skin, named Clarinha, has been registered in Brazil after emerging from a natural mutation. This new variety retains its marketable appearance longer due to its low chlorophyll content. Clarinha was discovered by chance in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, and the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) has officially entered it into the National Registry of Plant Varieties (RNC).

The island of La Palma has significantly enhanced its irrigation capacity for agriculture. The Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo have implemented five key projects to improve the island's hydraulic network, increasing water availability by 1.5 million cubic meters per year.

In St Petersburg, weak demand kept week 18 banana prices near USD 13.80 per box CIF, with some local sales reported as low as USD 12.00 per box CIF. Nearly 1.51 million boxes were discharged, with 2.045 million expected in week 19. The holiday periods from May 1-3 and May 9-11 typically reduce sales as many people travel outside the cities. As a result, prices may decline further during this period. Additionally, the US dollar was exchanged at around 74.69 RUB. In the Mediterranean region, the price for Ecuadorian bananas was between USD 19.00 and 20.00 per box, CIF. For Central American bananas, the price was approximately USD 19.00 per box, also CIF. Prices varied based on brand, volume, packaging, and region.

Logistics costs can account for up to 35.0% of the final value of fruits exported from Colombia. The fruit sector aims to exceed US$2,400 million in exports by 2026, building on a record US$1,273.1 million in foreign sales in 2025, an 11.3% increase from the previous year. In the first two months of 2026, agricultural exports totalled US$2,681.3 million, a 17.2% increase, underscoring agriculture's role as a key part of the non-mining export sector.

Ecuador is working to reduce trade barriers with Morocco, specifically targeting tariffs of up to 60% that limit exports like bananas, cocoa, and flowers. This initiative aims to help local businesses diversify their international markets. Recently, a delegation of 10 Ecuadorian companies began discussions with Moroccan counterparts to expand exports of agricultural and processed food products and to negotiate a gradual reduction in import duties. This follows a memorandum of understanding signed in January by private sector organisations from both countries.