Although the banana sales are always at a lower level in the summer holidays, the market has now revived itself. "The supply is at a good level, but there isn't over supply. The general demand for bananas in the market is good and this is resulting in good price formation," says Mike Tesselaar, who is responsible for the purchasing and sales of the bananas at wholesaler van der Lem.
"Traditionally less bananas are sold in the summer, partially due to the competition from other fruit. But when the schools start again you can always see the banana sales rise again, and this year is no exception," continues Mike. "The expectation for the coming weeks is also good. The supply is expected to stay at the same level and I expect stable prices."
Van der Lem has ripening cells with a capacity of 35,500 boxes. The customers are across the spectrum of retailers, from exporters, fellow wholesalers, specialists and catering. According to Mike the consumption of bananas in the Netherlands has been reasonably stable throughout the years, but the supply has mainly gotten wider. "Baby bananas, budget bananas, organic bananas, most if not all combined with fairtrade. A wider supply always results in more demand."
