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The year 2023 was prosperous for Ecuadorian organic products, particularly bananas. These bananas solidified their presence in the European Union (EU), their primary market, which received more than half of this fruit's production, according to data from the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment, and Fisheries.

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Dole Plc disclosed its first-quarter earnings, which increased from the previous year and surpassed market expectations. The company's earnings amounted to $70.14 million, or $0.74 per share, compared to $14.16 million, or $0.15 per share, in the previous year's first quarter.

Workers from productive and export sectors such as pineapple, coffee, banana, rice, and tourism are marching this Wednesday in downtown San José. They are protesting the impact of the appreciation of the colón against the dollar and the loss of competitiveness due to the exchange rate. The protesters are appealing to the Government of the Republic, the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR), and the Legislative Assembly in a march that started from La Merced Park at around 9:10 a.m., passing by the BCCR building, the Ministry of Finance, and finally arriving at Democracy Square.

Hapag-Lloyd ended the first quarter of 2024 with a Group EBITDA of USD 942 million (EUR 868 million). Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, the Group EBIT decreased to USD 396 million (EUR 365 million) and the Group profit to USD 325 million (EUR 299 million). In the Liner Shipping segment, transport volumes for the first quarter of 2024 increased by 6.8 per cent to 3 million TEU (Q1 2023: 2.8 million TEU).

Rising water levels in the Panama Canal have ignited optimism for a potential resumption of normal operations for container shipping following over a year of restrictions due to an intense drought. However, experts caution that while the situation is improving, it is still far from returning to pre-restriction conditions. From May 16 onwards, the Panama Canal Authority has increased the daily quota of ships permitted to transit the waterway from 24 to 31.

With the mediation of the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel), the negotiation of the new Collective Convention between the Union of Workers of the Banana Agricultural Industry and Related Companies (SITRAIBANA) and Chiquita Panama ended.

Elo Life System, a biotechnology company based in North Carolina, United States, is working on the development of a genetically resistant variety of banana to the wilt caused by the Fusarium Tropical Race 4 -TR4-, the disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc).

In week 19, banana selling prices in St. Petersburg hovered around USD 24.60 per box CIF. Factors such as brand, quality, volume, and type of packaging influenced these prices. Demand remained strong despite the extended holiday period from May 9th to 12th. Nearly 2.15 million boxes were discharged during the week and around 880.000 boxes are expected for week 20.The prevailing exchange rate was 1 USD = 91.82 RUB. The selling prices for Ecuadorean bananas in the Mediterranean ranged from USD 16.0 to 18.0 per box CIF, depending on the brand, volume, region, and type of packing. Central American fruit was priced around USD 2.20 less per box. In the Mersin Free Zone, the prices for re-exported bananas of Ecuadorean origin were approximately USD 16.0 to 18.50 per box. For Central American bananas, the prices were around USD 13.0 to 15.50 per box. Prices consolidated compared to the previous week due to a decrease in the available banana volumes. This was a result of the delay of a vessel from a line that regularly docks at the Turkish transit port. The prevailing exchange rate was 1 USD = 32.23 TL.

In just four days, 186.000 banana plants in Erode fell due to wind. Officials have stated this is the most severe damage in the past decade. Farmers are appealing to the government to declare suitable compensation. A survey of banana trees damaged due to rain and strong winds from May 1 to 4 in 32 villages in Bhavanisagar, Sathyamangalam, and Thalavadi blocks concluded, revealing that 186.000 banana plants have been damaged, causing losses for 187 farmers. Moreover, the survey disclosed that 94,000 banana plants were destroyed in a single day, on May 4, in the Bhavanisagar block alone.

The Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE) is pleased to announce the third annual edition of "Banana Time". This event, which will be held at the Hotel Oro Verde in Machala, aims to bring together the productive actors of the banana sector to discuss issues of common interest and promote the industry's sustainable development. "Banana Time" is a unique opportunity for producers, exporters, experts and university students to meet and exchange ideas, experiences and knowledge.

Israeli shipping line Z.I.M. has renewed its partnership with ArrowSpot Systems Ltd., a fellow Israeli start-up that provides comprehensive cargo monitoring solutions for the global logistics industry. This extension builds upon the existing collaboration between the two companies, which includes operating a 24/7 control centre as a critical component of the ZIMonitor service. This service offers remote tracking, monitoring, and control for reefer containers.

Kazakhstan is home to an expansive banana plantation where the locally adapted variety "anamuz" thrives in the Kazakh climate. Islam Aliyev led the greenhouse to house over 7,000 banana plants and successfully ripened approximately 1,000 tons of bananas. To ensure successful acclimatisation, 400 truckloads of compost were imported. Although the existing greenhouse spans only 5 hectares and fulfils a mere 1% of domestic demand, expansion plans are in progress.

IQAX Ltd., a Hong Kong-based innovative technology solutions provider for shipping and logistics, has announced that Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world's most significant container shipping lines, will adopt its IQAX eBL to issue electronic bills of lading (eBLs). Hapag-Lloyd has chosen to implement IQAX's industry-leading eBL solution to enhance customer service and expedite its transition towards 100% adoption of eBLs by 2030.