A Record Year for Banana Sales in Costa Rica

Costa Rica News – Banana exports from Costa Rica will close this year with record sales. This is both in volume and revenue.

It is estimated that the total export at the end of the year will be about 125 million boxes of 18.14 kilos each. This will be the first time the sales of this fruit exceeded an annual income of $1,000 million.

There are 42,400 hectares planted with bananas. This leads to direct employment of 40,000 people and indirect employment of 100,000, in fruit transport, agrochemical stores and other activities.

Last year was also a record, but one that is now being surpassed. This comes after a sharp decline in 2015 due to climatic phenomena. Threats for next year are seen. Some countries have increased production which could generate an oversupply. Additionally, European supermarkets are in a war with banana prices, which could drop the value.

The banana sector accounts for 9.6% of Costa Rica’s exports of goods, 36.7% of total agricultural exports, 2% of the Costa Rican Gross Domestic Product and 38.6% of the agricultural GDP.