Trade unions in Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, and the Dominican Republic reject the company's move to sell bananas at 0.88 euros (US$0.95) per kilogram, a practice that threatens the sector's sustainability.

The Ecuadorian Banana Cluster is once again protesting the low prices at which its fruit is sold in European markets. The complaint is regional.

The organization stated this Monday, March 17, 2025, that Latin American banana producers and exporters reject "the actions of the German chain Kaufland for selling bananas at 0.88 euros per kilogram, a practice that threatens the sustainability of the sector. Fair prices and genuine commitment are required."

There is unrest not only in Ecuador, but also in unions in Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, and the Dominican Republic.

They expressed their discontent with Kaufland's actions because it hides the reality of banana production in Latin America and the Caribbean, which is increasingly facing difficulties due to certification requirements and regulations in destination markets.

"They impose high costs on producers while supermarkets and discount stores obscure for consumers the real efforts of sustainable and aesthetically appropriate production to inconsistent standards," reads a statement.

The Banana Cluster expressed its displeasure with the prices posted by the German chain Kaufland. Photo: Courtesy.

Banana producers are challenging European supermarkets and discount stores, accusing them of trying to distract consumers by using "empty rhetoric" about sustainability, which deviates from the reality of their actions and measures.

They accuse them of showing a “lack of coherence” and real commitment.