Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Banana shortages are being reported across parts of the Mid-Atlantic this February, with shoppers in several states noticing higher prices and sporadic gaps on grocery shelves.
According to regional produce distributors, banana shipments into Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia have become less predictable since late January. Grocery stores located near high-traffic retail corridors along Interstates 95, 76, and 295 have reported faster sellouts, particularly ahead of weekends and during store promotions.
Industry officials attribute the tightening supply to ongoing global disruptions. Tropical Race 4, a fungal disease affecting Cavendish bananas, continues to reduce yields in major exporting countries in Central and South America. The disease has forced some growers to abandon infected fields, limiting export volume. In addition, lingering shipping delays tied to labor disputes and port congestion in late 2024 continue to affect East Coast delivery schedules.
Retail price tracking shows bananas in parts of the Mid-Atlantic now averaging between 67 and 78 cents per pound, representing a 10 to 20 percent increase compared with February last year. Several grocery chains have reduced bulk discounts, while others are substituting alternative fruits in weekly circulars as supplies fluctuate.
Consumers say the changes are becoming noticeable. Shoppers near commuter-heavy areas along I-95 and I-76 report empty shelf space later in the day, particularly at high-volume stores. Food service businesses, including smoothie shops, school cafeterias, and workplace dining halls, say they are adjusting menus or sourcing strategies to offset rising costs.
Agricultural experts say longer-term solutions, including disease-resistant banana varieties and expanded sourcing regions, are in development but unlikely to provide immediate relief. Distributors expect uneven availability to continue into early spring.
The situation is especially relevant for commuters, students, and young workers who rely on affordable produce options at neighborhood grocery stores.
