Nashville, Tennessee – Banana shortages are being reported across parts of the Tennessee Valley this February, with shoppers noticing higher prices and intermittent gaps on grocery store shelves.
According to regional produce distributors, banana shipments into Tennessee, Alabama, northern Mississippi, southern Kentucky, and northwest Georgia have become less consistent since late January. Grocery stores near major travel and retail corridors, including Interstates 40, 65, and 24, report faster sellouts, particularly at high-volume locations serving commuters and families.
Industry officials attribute the tightening supply to a combination of global agricultural and shipping challenges. Tropical Race 4, a fungal disease affecting Cavendish bananas, continues to reduce production in major exporting countries across Central and South America. The disease has forced some growers to scale back or abandon plantations, limiting export availability. Lingering shipping delays tied to labor disputes and port congestion in late 2024 are also affecting delivery schedules to Southeast distribution centers.
Retail pricing data shows bananas across parts of the Tennessee Valley now averaging between 64 and 76 cents per pound, representing an increase of roughly 10 to 18 percent compared with February last year. Several grocery chains have reduced bulk promotions or adjusted weekly ads as supplies fluctuate.
Consumers say the impact is becoming more noticeable during routine shopping trips. Shoppers near interstate exits and suburban retail hubs report shelves thinning later in the day, especially ahead of weekends. Food service operators, including school cafeterias, hospital kitchens, and smoothie shops near college campuses, say they are adjusting menus or sourcing strategies to manage rising costs.
Agricultural experts say longer-term solutions, such as developing disease-resistant banana varieties and expanding sourcing regions, are underway but unlikely to stabilize supply in the short term. Distributors expect uneven availability to continue through the remainder of winter.
The situation is particularly relevant for commuters, students, and young workers who rely on affordable produce options at neighborhood grocery stores throughout the Tennessee Valley.
