Banana Growers Face Unfair Trade, Climate Pressures
Fairtrade research says banana suppliers struggle to cover costs as El Niño and unfair trading practices strain farms.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Organic Food
Fairtrade published research titled "Bananas: An Endangered Staple" documenting persistent downward pressure on banana prices and unfair trading practices. Ethical Trading Initiative research found 2026 prices failed to cover profit margins for 83.3% of banana suppliers.
Why it matters
Extreme climate shocks, rising production costs, and unfair trading practices leave many banana farms unable to earn enough to sustain themselves. Fairtrade warns that another Super El Niño could further pressure production and supplies.
Supplier surveys found 83.3% of banana suppliers' 2026 prices failed to cover profit margins, and 66.7% did not cover production costs. Banana pack prices stayed at £1.12 per unit over the previous 12 months, while productivity during the 2023-24 El Niño fell 22% in Ecuador, 13% in the Dominican Republic and 6% in Peru.
The players
Fairtrade
Fairtrade is an international certification and advocacy organization that promotes better trading conditions for producers in developing countries.
Ethical Trading Initiative
The Ethical Trading Initiative is a UK-based alliance of companies, trade unions and non-governmental organizations that works to improve labor conditions in global supply chains.
The details
Fairtrade says persistent downward pressure on prices, last-minute cancellations and unfair penalties push risk down the banana supply chain to growers. Unpredictable payments and orders make it harder for growers to pay bills and avoid debt, and Fairtrade is calling on the UK government to introduce a Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence law.
Timeline
2023-24: El Niño reduces banana productivity in Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and Peru.
Previous 12 months (as of October 2026): Banana pack prices remain flat at £1.12 per unit.
2026: Supplier prices fail to cover profit margins and production costs for most suppliers.
November 5, 2026: Fairtrade publishes its research on banana grower pressures.
Roadmap
The 2023-24 El Niño reduced banana productivity by 22% in Ecuador, 13% in the Dominican Republic and 6% in Peru, and the new Fairtrade research shows that unfair trading practices compound that climate damage for growers. Fairtrade's call for a Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence law places the issue within the wider policy debate over supply-chain accountability in the UK.
Shoppers who buy bananas or banana-containing products may see prices stay flat only if supplier margins remain under pressure, and buying Fairtrade-certified bananas directs more of the purchase toward growers. The research indicates that unpredictable payments and orders make it harder for growers to pay bills, which can affect the availability of supply over time.
The takeaway
Choosing certified fair trade bananas is one practical way to support growers facing both climate shocks and unfair pricing. Buyers can also watch for updates on the proposed UK due diligence law that Fairtrade is advocating.
Further reading
Explore more on Organic Food to see how ethical sourcing and fair trade standards shape the produce on store shelves.
