Banana Market Overview in Tanzania

The revenue of the banana market in Tanzania amounted to $2.3B in 2010, surging by 15% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the period from 2007 to 2010; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2009 when the market value increased by 23% y-o-y. Banana consumption peaked in 2010 and is likely to continue its growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, banana production stood at $2.4B in 2010 estimated in export prices. Overall, the total output indicated a strong expansion from 2007 to 2010: its value increased at an average annual rate of +0.8% over the last three years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2010 figures, banana production increased by +88.4% against 2008 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2010 when production volume increased by 54% against the previous year. In that year, banana production reached its peak level and is likely to continue its growth in the immediate term.

In 2010, the average banana yield in Tanzania stood at 7.6 tonne per ha, jumping by 28% against the previous year. Overall, the banana yield, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2010 when yield increased by 28% y-o-y. Banana yield peaked at 7.6 tonne per ha in 2007; however, from 2008 to 2010, yield failed to regain its momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

Banana harvested area in Tanzania totaled 418K ha in 2010, lowering by -17.7% against the previous year. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% from 2007 to 2010; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2009 with an increase of 21% y-o-y. In that year, the banana harvested area attained its peak level of 508K ha, and then declined slightly in the following year.

In 2010, the consumption of bananas in Tanzania stood at 3.2M tonnes, rising by 5% against the previous year. Overall, banana consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2009 with an increase of 23% year-to-year. Over the period under review, the banana consumption reached its maximum volume in 2010 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

The revenue of the banana market in Tanzania amounted to $2.3B in 2010, going up by 15% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% from 2007 to 2010; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2009 when the market value increased by 23% against the previous year. Banana consumption peaked in 2010 and is expected to retain its growth in the near future.

Driven by increasing demand for banana in Tanzania, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next twenty-year period. Market performance is forecast to accelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +% for the period from 2010 to , which is projected to bring the market volume to tonnes by the end of .

Over the period under review, imports of banana in Tanzania were negligibly small compared to the production volumes. Therefore, the share of imports in the total market was practically nonexistent, both in volume and in value terms. This situation has remained constant over the period under review, which means that domestic producers entirely meet the domestic demand for banana.

This tangible trade surplus reflects the fact that the market remains buoyed by domestic production, and the industry is highly incorporated into the global market, which is likely to continue in the medium term.