Banana and Plantain Market Overview in Tanzania

The Tanzanian banana and plantain market surged to $ in 2019, with an increase of % 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). Overall, consumption continues to indicate a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2012 with an increase of % against the previous year. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level in 2019 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, banana and plantain production soared to $ in 2019 estimated in export prices. Overall, production showed significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2012 with an increase of % against the previous year. Banana and plantain production peaked in 2019 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

The average yield of bananas and plantains in Tanzania reduced modestly to tonnes per ha in 2019, shrinking by -% on the previous year's figure. Overall, the yield, however, saw a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2012 when the yield increased by % against the previous year. The banana and plantain yield peaked at tonnes per ha in 2018, and then dropped in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2019, approx. ha of bananas and plantains were harvested in Tanzania; growing by % on the previous year. In general, the harvested area continues to indicate strong growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2012 with an increase of % year-to-year. The banana and plantain harvested area peaked at ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2019, the harvested area failed to regain the momentum.

In 2019, consumption of bananas and plantains increased by % to tonnes, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. Overall, consumption posted buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2012 when the consumption volume increased by % against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption reached the peak volume at tonnes in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2019, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The revenue of the banana and plantain market in Tanzania surged to $ in 2019, increasing by % 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). Over the period under review, consumption saw significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2012 when the market value increased by % year-to-year. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level in 2019 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Driven by increasing demand for banana and plantain in Tanzania, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +% for the period from 2019 to , which is projected to bring the market volume to tonnes by the end of .

Over the period under review, imports of banana and plantain 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 and plantain.

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.