“Indian Cavendish bananas keep up export pace despite rainfall setbacks”

India's banana exports remain resilient despite recent heavy rainfall disrupting production and logistics. The market is navigating fluctuating farm availability while maintaining consistent demand in key markets, shares Nagoor Shareef Shaik, Director at fresh produce trader Sattvaa Owaiss. "Our exports are performing steadily at the moment, with consistent demand from our regular markets. Volumes have been stable, though we have had to monitor logistics closely due to fluctuating availability at the farm level," Shaik says.

Compared to last season, production has been slightly lower in some regions of Maharashtra because of irregular weather patterns, but overall fruit quality has improved. Shaik explains, "Farmers have become more attentive to post-harvest handling, which is helping us maintain export-grade standards and good recovery in hand size."

According to Shaik, recent rainfall affected availability, where harvesting schedules were disrupted, and farm-to-packhouse logistics slowed due to road conditions. "Prices rose temporarily at the farm level in Maharashtra's prime banana-growing belt of Sholapur due to disruptions caused by heavy rainfall, but are now gradually reducing. Last month, prices were USD 7 for a 13.5 kg box, and today they have come down to USD 6.4."

Export prices are up compared to the previous year, driven by higher freight rates and farm costs. "In 2024, prices were around USD 5.1 for a 13.5 kg box ex cold storage; this year, they are at USD 6.3," Shaik says. "But international buyers remain committed due to consistent quality and strong demand."

Shaik highlights, "Middle Eastern countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman continue to show strong demand because of their reliance on imported bananas for daily consumption. Iran and Bangladesh have also been consistent buyers due to affordability and a preference for Indian G9 Cavendish bananas."

Sattvaa Owaiss primarily sources G9 bananas from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, with packhouses and logistics coordination managed near major ports. Shaik expects domestic demand and prices to rise slightly as the Ganesh festival begins in late August. "Export demand from the Middle East and Asian markets like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Iran is expected to remain steady, with volumes picking up as logistics normalize post-rainfall."

Looking ahead, Sattvaa will be exploring newer destinations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia where demand for bananas is increasing. "We are discussing premium banana varieties with farmers with an emphasis on shelf life, improved appearance, hand size, and transportability in line with the requirements of retailers," Shaik concludes.

© Sattvaa Owaiss Global Trading Pvt. Ltd.For more information:
Nagoor Shareef Shaik
Sattvaa Owaiss Global Trading Pvt. Ltd.
Tel: +91 70 93 835 959
Email: [email protected]
www.sattvaaowaiss.com