The export of bananas from the Dominican Republic has increased significantly in recent years, by more than 20 per cent between 2012 and 2015. An increasing number of cultivators also do their own exporting. BanaLasa is one of those companies that has both its own production and various member cultivators who supply bananas. Miguel Rodríguez of BanaLasa indicates they have only been exporting for a year now. “We export to various countries, such as the UK, Spain and Sweden.”
Increase in organic
BanaLasa offers both conventional and organic bananas. “We have been producing for over 20 years already, and we have therefore gained much experience. Focus has shifted towards organic cultivation in recent years. We have full control of the production process, which is how we ensure perfect quality. A large part of our banana’s delicious flavour is dependent on sunshine, of which we have plenty here.”
More export
Rodríguez indicates they have significant growth targets for the coming years: “We currently ship approximately six to eight containers to Europe per week, and we want to increase that number to 20 to 25 containers per week in the next five years. We would naturally prefer to meet this target even sooner.”
Banalasa has 15 to 20 joined cultivators, and the area amounts to about 350 to 400 hectares. "We have a good overview, because the largest part is own production, and quality is checked regularly. We market the products under the Fresh by Nature brand."
