Although Rosselkhoznadzor has withdrawn its claims against banana producers in Ecuador, suppliers of these products to Russia, especially large retailers, are looking for alternative ways to purchase the products. writes about this “Kommersant”.
The unstable political situation in Ecuador due to uprisings by local criminal gangs is now worrying importers. Chains have begun sourcing bananas from India, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil and other countries, but it will take several years to shift existing supply chains away from Ecuador, which has long been Russia’s main supplier of bananas. Experts warn that this could lead to higher prices.
Large retailers such as X5 Group (owner of Pyaterochka and Perekrestok stores) are already increasing banana imports from various countries. The X5 has received its first test shipment of bananas from India and is awaiting delivery from Costa Rica. In addition to imports from Colombia, Brazil, Turkey and Egypt, possible supply from Vietnam, China and Cameroon is planned.
X5 became the leader in Russia’s banana imports in 2023, increasing its imports by 8% to 386 thousand tons. All ingredients came from Ecuador. However, in 2023, total banana imports to Russia increased by 28.7 thousand tons, especially from Ecuador, reaching 1.38 million tons. However, recent events have put imports from this country at risk.
In February, Rosselkhoznadzor suspended the banana certification of five Ecuadorian suppliers due to the discovery of humpback flies in the fruit. Prior to this, the statement made by the President of Ecuador about the transfer of Russian weapons to the USA increased fears about the possibility of them being sent to Ukraine.
Previously, African countries sharply reduced Use of ruble to pay for exports from Russia.