2024-11-14 23:07:00
More than 85% of bananas produced in Africa are exported to Europe, but they face competition from Latin American bananas, which dominate the market. Rising costs and pressure from supermarkets are aggravating the situation, making it difficult for African producers to be profitable. Recently, in Abidjan, stakeholders in the sector met to find solutions in favor of workers.
From our correspondent in Abidjan,
The Ivory Coastthe Cameroon and the Ghanathe three pillars of African banana production, are struggling to strengthen their presence on the European market. For a long time, they have found themselves facing overwhelming competition from Latin American giants, who largely dominate this sector. “ We are facing giants who produce 15 million tonnes, while we, the three countries together, manage to produce 600,000 tonnes, underlines Jean-François Billot, secretary general of Afruibana, an organization which brings together producers and exporters from the continent. They are more than 25 times bigger than us and yet, between 2015 and 2023, we managed to increase our market share from 4.4 to 5.1 in the European Union “, he congratulates himself.
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Real value down 20%
However, margins remain low. African bananas, meeting strict quality standards, are purchased at low prices, especially compared to other fruits. “ We produce a clean banana and yet it is the cheapest fruit on the shelves, deplores Jean-Marie Kakou-Gervais, president of Obam-CI (Organization of banana exporting producers in Ivory Coast). An apple produced in Normandy and sold in Paris costs two to three times more than our banana, which travels thousands of kilometers under restrictive technical transport conditions. »
Towards a decent salary in Ivory Coast
Despite these difficulties, Ivory Coast, the leading African producer with 382,000 tonnes of bananas per year, is committed to improving the living conditions of the 45,000 workers in the sector. Last September, an agreement was signed to harmonize salary practices and establish a decent wage by 2026. “ With inflation, the current salary no longer allows us to live adequately, Judge Koffi Blaise, president of the Federation of Workers in the Industry. We demand a salary that guarantees us a decent life. It is time for producers and workers to come to the negotiating table. »
In eight years, the real value of a kilo of banana has fallen by 20%. For certain producers and exporters, the establishment of a decent wage remains conditional on an increase in the purchase price on the European market.
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What are the main challenges facing African banana producers that were highlighted in the interview with Jean-François Billot?
**Interview with Jean-François Billot, Secretary General of Afruibana**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Jean-François. The recent meeting in Abidjan addressed the challenges facing African banana producers. Can you elaborate on what specific issues were discussed?
**Billot:** Thank you for having me. The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including producers, exporters, and industry experts. We discussed the intensifying competition from Latin American producers who dominate the European market, producing around 15 million tonnes compared to our combined output of 600,000 tonnes from Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Ghana. We also addressed the rising costs of production and the pressure exerted by supermarkets on pricing, which are making it increasingly challenging for us to operate profitably.
**Editor:** Despite these challenges, you mentioned a slight increase in market share in the EU. How did that happen, and what does it indicate about the future for African bananas?
**Billot:** Yes, from 2015 to 2023, our market share increased from 4.4% to 5.1%, which is a positive sign for us. This indicates that there is still demand for African bananas, especially when consumers are looking for sustainable and ethically produced options. We are focusing on quality, sustainability, and building more robust relationships with European distributors to secure a more significant presence in the market.
**Editor:** What specific strategies did the stakeholders discuss to bolster the African banana industry?
**Billot:** We emphasized the need for collective action—uniting producers to negotiate better with distributors and sharing best practices in farming techniques to improve yield and reduce costs. We also talked about enhancing our marketing strategies to promote the unique qualities of African bananas and exploring certifications that could enhance our competitive edge in the EU.
**Editor:** It sounds like collaboration is key. What role do you see Afruibana playing in this process going forward?
**Billot:** Afruibana is committed to advocating for our members’ interests, facilitating dialogue among stakeholders, and helping to implement the strategies we discussed. We aim to be a strong voice in the industry, promoting policies that support our producers and investing in initiatives that will help enhance our competitiveness in the global market.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jean-François. Your insights into the challenges and strategies for the African banana industry are invaluable.
**Billot:** Thank you for the opportunity to share our thoughts. It’s crucial that we continue to work together to ensure a sustainable future for banana production in Africa.
