Corporation recommends 9.91 per cent increase in box price as climate and cost pressures mount
The National Banana Corporation of Costa Rica, Corbana, has recommended a minimum export price of US$11.15 per 18.14kg box (FOB) of premium-quality bananas for 2027. This represents an increase of 9.91 per cent over the 2025 price of US$10.14 per box.
The corporation cited the unfavourable dollar-colón exchange rate, climate-induced productivity falls and rising production costs as the main reasons for the recommendation for the hike.
The figure stems from Corbana’s pricing model, based on costs and variables that affect the banana production and export value chain, which it updates annually. It pointed out that the minimum export price has remained unchanged for the past seven years.
“This model is based on an in-depth analysis of the cost structure and the current reality facing the banana sector,” said Corbana’s general manager Marcial Chaverri. “Given the current context – where exchange rates and climatic conditions have worked against us – securing an increase in the minimum price would provide a significant boost to the industry, enabling producers to strengthen their competitiveness in the international market.”
The recommendation establishes a price floor that exporters should pay producers for each 18.14 kg box of premium-quality bananas, on an FOB (Free on Board) basis, drawing on data projected for the year 2027.
The model is built upon variables currently impacting the industry: the appreciation of the Costa Rican colón against the US dollar – which increases the dollar-denominated cost of expenses paid in colones – and a decline in productivity resulting from the climatic conditions that banana-producing regions have faced over the last two years.
Furthermore, there have been substantial increases in the costs of inputs and services throughout the production chain, most notably regarding cardboard boxes, the control of Black Sigatoka disease, and fertilisers, Corbana stated.
