Bananas market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Western European market for fresh and dried bananas showed significant movement in physical volume. Starting at 1.8 million tonnes in 2018, market size expanded sharply to 2.7 million tonnes in 2019 and reached a peak of 2.8 million tonnes in 2020. It then contracted over the next two years, falling to 2.1 million tonnes in 2022, before recovering to 2.2 million tonnes in 2023. In value terms, the market was more stable, ending the period at 2.3 billion USD in 2023 after a dip the previous year.

The market's rebound in 2023, with volume rising by 8% and value by 21%, was linked to a shift in consumer behavior. Growing health awareness and a preference for natural, nutrient-rich snacks increased demand for products like dried bananas. This trend fueled growth in the organic and clean-label segments, leading manufacturers to offer more minimally processed and organic banana options.

In 2024, updated European Union regulations on bananas came into force, specifying new labeling and traceability requirements for both fresh and dried bananas. These rules directly affect how bananas are marketed and tracked within the Western European market.

Production bananas in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of bananas, 2017-2020

World map of production of bananas, 2017-2020

Banana production in Western Europe has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 212.1 thousand tonnes of bananas, which represents a 2.5% rise compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of banana production in Western Europe has grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, banana output was valued at 381.2 million US dollars, showing a solid increase of 13.9% compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports bananas from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Banana exports from Western Europe have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 821 thousand tonnes of bananas, which is 5.0% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 38.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 37.3%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 4.0%. The peak export volume was reached in 2018 at 1 379 thousand tonnes.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Western Europe's banana export portfolio in volume terms was quite broad. Poland accounted for 10.4% of exports, Spain for 8.3%, and Czechia for 8.0%, with these three countries together representing only 26.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Western Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of banana exports from Western Europe has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 258 million US dollars, reflecting an uptick of 9.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 092 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 0.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for banana exports in value terms was diverse. Poland accounted for 8.2% of exports, Spain for 7.2%, and Czechia for 7.2%, with these three countries together forming only 22.6% of total flows. The remaining 77.4% was distributed among many other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Western Europe in value, 2017-2020

Imports bananas to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Banana imports into Western Europe have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 3 423 thousand tonnes, representing a slight gain of 3.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 9.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 989 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 11.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica remained the key partners for banana imports into Western Europe in volume terms. Ecuador accounted for 19.5% of imports, Colombia for 17.9%, and Costa Rica for 17.9%, with these three countries together accounting for 55.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Western Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Banana imports into Western Europe have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported approximately 3 007 million US dollars worth of bananas, reflecting a moderate increase of 7.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colombia remained the key partners for banana imports into Western Europe in value terms. Costa Rica accounted for 18.9% of imports, Ecuador for 17.2%, and Colombia for 16.9%, with these three countries together accounting for 53.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Western Europe in value, 2017-2020