Australia: Banana prices may rise

Banana prices could rise in the coming weeks as a result of flooding caused by the remnants of ex-tropical Cyclone Ellie. The Bruce Highway is cut in three places between Cairns and Townsville, stopping hundreds of semi-trailers from delivering fruit to southern markets. Ninety per cent of Australia's bananas are grown in North Queensland.

Australian Banana Growers Council vice-president, Cameron Mackay, says supply may not meet demand. "They're going to struggle to get enough fruit into the markets there," he says. "They were quite light on with loadings leading into this period, and it's certainly not going to help with trucks struggling to get out of the north."


Source: abc.net.au


Publication date: 2/4/2009