Ukraine increased banana imports by 14% - expert

"In the first eight months of this year, Ukraine imported 181,100 tonnes of bananas worth a total of $102.3 million. These figures are a record high for at least the last five years. Compared to the same period of 2018, the total amount of imported bananas grew by 14%," the report reads.

It notes that an increase in banana imports into the Ukrainian market has been observed for the last five years.

"This situation is due to many factors. Firstly, banana is no longer a novelty and exotic fruit for Ukrainian consumers. Today, the culture of consumption of this fruit in our country is already at a sufficiently high level," Director for Development of the Ukrainian Fruit and Vegetable Association Kateryna Zvereva said.

According to the analyst, an increase in the price of bananas in Ukraine and the world is possible in the near future. The last few weeks have seen a significant rise in the price of these fruits. The main reason for the growth is the spread of TR4 (Tropical Race, 4) disease on banana plantations in Ecuador, the leader in banana exports, with a share of 24% of world exports. Banana prices worldwide are projected to grow in the near future.