Atlanta, Georgia – Banana shortages are being reported across parts of the Southeastern United States this February, with shoppers noticing higher prices and reduced availability at some grocery stores.
According to regional produce distributors, banana shipments into Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee have become less consistent since late January. Retailers near major transportation and shopping corridors, including Interstates 75, 85, 95, and 20, report faster sellouts, particularly at high-volume stores serving commuters and families.
Industry officials point to a combination of global agricultural and logistical factors. Tropical Race 4, a fungal disease that affects Cavendish bananas, continues to reduce yields in major exporting countries across Central and South America. The disease has forced some growers to limit production or shut down affected plantations. In addition, lingering shipping delays tied to labor disputes and port congestion in late 2024 continue to disrupt delivery schedules to Southeast distribution centers.
Retail pricing data shows bananas across parts of the Southeast now averaging between 65 and 78 cents per pound, reflecting an increase of roughly 10 to 20 percent compared with February last year. Some grocery chains have scaled back bulk promotions or substituted alternative fruits in weekly advertisements due to supply uncertainty.
Consumers say the impact is becoming more noticeable during everyday shopping trips. Shoppers near interstate exits and suburban retail hubs report thinning shelves 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, sourcing, or portion sizes to manage rising costs.
Agricultural experts note that longer-term solutions, such as developing disease-resistant banana varieties and diversifying import sources, are underway but unlikely to provide immediate relief. Distributors expect uneven availability to continue through late winter and into early spring.
The situation is particularly relevant for commuters, students, and young workers across the Southeast who rely on bananas as an affordable staple at neighborhood grocery stores.
