It might be different for some places but bananas are like 79 cents a bunch, and when you compare that to other fruits like apples and oranges, theyre a good deal
In: 1926
The comments about the “cheapness” of supply ring true but there is another factor and it goes for a large part of fruit and vegetables; if you price them higher and less people buy them, the seller ends up with produce that will literally be unsellable in a few days. The price, albeit only in western countries it seems by the comments, is also a reflection of the absolute need to get this product moving off the shelves.
2 main reasons.
Often sold at a loss, similarly to milk, to bring in shoppers (in Uk at least).
Exploitation of the global south’s workforce within the global system of imperialism that not only gives us relatively cheap bananas but relatively cheap everything else since the workers are often not even being paid subsistence wages.
Who else thinks OP is looking at the price per lb thinking that’s the entire price?
I don’t have a concise answer to your question because I’m not that smart, but if you want to go down a rabbit hole that they don’t teach about much in school, look up things like the history of the United Fruit Company, banana republics, banana massacre, etc. Our (the U.S.) government did, and continues to do, some shady shit in Central America and many other places around the world in the interest of corporate profits.
Banana Republic:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_republic?wprov=sfla1
Banana massacre:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_Massacre?wprov=sfla1
United Fruit Company:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Fruit_Company?wprov=sfla1
Scroll down to the section titled “History in Latin America” and read from there. Pretty messed up.
If I remember correctly, it’s because banana trees aren’t hard to grow (they are made from cloning after all) and each tree grows a fuckton of bananas.
I can’t ship a banana to the next city over for the price it costs me to buy a banana, which has been farmed, harvested, packaged, shipped across the world, purchased by a grocery store and then put on display until I bought it.
I’d hate to think how little the actual farmer makes
Uh, bananas are 3 for $1 here, or 2 for $1 if you want organic. They are no longer cheap. Apples are 3.50-4 per lb too, so there’s that
Now to the other question. Why are berries so expensive?
It’s just one banana Michael. What could it be, $10?
Absolutely agree! Bananas are not only affordable, but they’re also versatile and packed with nutrients. They’re great for on-the-go snacks, smoothies, baking, or even frozen as a treat. It’s impressive how much value you can get for such a low price. Plus, the convenience of having a fruit that comes with its own natural, biodegradable wrapper? Priceless! 🍌🌍💚
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