Since the eruption of the La Palma volcano in September 2021, the Canary Islands' banana industry—particularly the "Plátano de Canarias"—has been under intense public and economic scrutiny. Initially, Spanish consumers responded with solidarity, purchasing locally grown bananas at a higher price to support affected farmers. This campaign, encouraged by institutions and individuals alike, aimed to offset crop losses caused by volcanic ash and lava.

Over time, however, the price gap between "Plátano de Canarias" and imported bananas from Central and South America has sparked growing criticism. A viral social media post in 2025 illustrated the disparity: while imported bananas sold for around €1.50 per kilo, Canary Island bananas reached €3.70 or more. At an Alcampo store in Mungia near Bilbao, prices soared as high as €6.99 per kilo.

The price difference has triggered widespread debate, particularly online. Some users questioned whether the continued premium was still justified. When asked, Grok, an AI model on platform X, attributed the cost gap to differences in agricultural practices, labour costs, and quality standards. However, Grok also acknowledged consumer concerns about potential price inflation by intermediaries and dismissed theories that producers were destroying crops to raise prices. Instead, Grok clarified that the practice of "pica" refers to withdrawing bananas from the market during low-price periods—not deliberate waste to manipulate supply.

Canary Island banana growers have responded to the criticism by highlighting the severe challenges they continue to face. Most notably, the subtropical storm Dorothea in December 2024 caused extensive damage, with winds over 130 km/h destroying thousands of banana plants. This disruption led to reduced harvests, increased costs, and power outages across the islands.

The current situation has resulted in significant supply shortages. Weekly banana shipments to mainland Spain have dropped to between five and six million kilos, down from the usual seven to eight million. As a result, prices have climbed across all markets—from premium fruit to previously discarded lower-quality bananas.

According to Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA), the average price received by farmers for high-quality bananas in late May 2025 was €1.59 per kilo. This figure accounts for packaging, marketing, and transportation to the Peninsula and Balearic Islands. It excludes direct agricultural costs, which typically range from €0.60 to €0.80 per kilo.

Farmers also receive EU direct aid through the Posei program—up to €0.33 per kilo annually, depending on total production. With aid included, farmer revenues can reach between €1.10 and €1.30 per kilo before taxes, assuming maximum support levels. The Posei program has a €141.1 million allocation, capped at 420 million kilos per year.

While these prices suggest that some growers, especially those with high-quality produce, are benefiting, others continue to struggle. Rising costs and limited availability have put pressure on both producers and consumers. In early 2025, retail prices on the Peninsula for top-grade Canary Island bananas exceeded €4 per kilo. On the islands themselves, prices reached €3.40 for premium fruit, while even lower-grade bananas averaged between €1.80 and €2.00—double their price from January.

Since February 2025, banana prices have consistently risen, reflecting limited supply and a poor fruit year. While institutional demand may ease during the summer months, and competition from seasonal fruits could offer temporary relief, the price outlook remains uncertain. Producers caution that prices may not fall as significantly as they did in previous years due to lingering production challenges and ongoing market constraints.

Looking back, 2021 and 2022 were relatively successful years for Canary Island banana farmers. However, the situation deteriorated in 2023 and worsened in 2024 due to weather events and poor yields. Despite these setbacks, 2025 is showing signs of recovery. With stronger prices and improved returns, some growers hope this year could be the most profitable since the eruption.

Yet, for consumers, the question remains: when will prices finally come down? Until production normalises and market dynamics stabilise, Canary Island bananas may continue to carry a premium that not all shoppers are willing—or able—to pay.