Global Market Report: Bananas
This report examines how voluntary sustainability standards are used to promote sustainable development in the banana sector.
Key Messages
- North America and Europe are driving demand for sustainably produced bananas, which have captured a 10% share of some markets.
- From 2008 to 2016, voluntary sustainability standard-compliant bananas grew to account for at least 7% of the sector (36% of exports).
- Asia is the largest producing region, but 80% of exported bananas come from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Bananas (including plantains) are the world’s fourth most important staple crop (after wheat, maize, and rice). The sector faces a variety of sustainability issues, including crop disease, climate change impacts, excessive pesticide use, and poor labour practices. Banana producers are increasingly using voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) to tackle the sector’s sustainability challenges.
This report is the sixth in IISD’s Sustainable Commodities Marketplace Series, which presents market information and analysis on agricultural commodities to foster transparency, knowledge, and strategic decision making for sustainable development.
Additional downloads
You might also be interested in
Global Market Report: Soybean prices and sustainability
Less than 3% of soybeans are produced in compliance with sustainability standards. This report unpacks what needs to change to make soybeans a food that protects rather than harms the natural environment.
Measures to Enhance Forest Conservation and Reduce Deforestation
This report outlines and compares various policy measures that Costa Rica, Gabon, Indonesia, Peru, and Rwanda have put in place to address deforestation.
Countries Seeking to Protect Forests Should Take Lead From Five Developing Countries
As governments face increasing pressure to protect their forests, new research highlights the importance of sharing the wins and setbacks of tried and tested action in the Global South.
Voluntary initiatives can lead the way to net-zero but must coordinate standards and get more businesses on board
Voluntary standards and initiatives for carbon management can fill a legal void in climate regulations but limited alignment and a lack of uptake from companies are hindering their impact.