Boston, Massachusetts – Banana shortages are being reported at grocery stores across parts of New England this February, prompting higher prices and empty shelf space in some locations.
According to regional produce distributors and grocery operators, banana deliveries into Massachusetts and Connecticut have become less consistent since late January. Stores located near major retail corridors along Interstates 95, 90, and 84 have reported faster sellouts, particularly ahead of weekends and during promotional periods.
The supply disruption is being driven by a mix of global and logistical factors. Tropical Race 4, a fungal disease affecting Cavendish bananas, continues to reduce crop yields in major exporting countries in Central and South America. Industry groups say the disease has forced some plantations to shut down or reduce output. At the same time, shipping delays linked to labor disputes and port congestion in late 2024 are still affecting import schedules along the East Coast.
Retail pricing data shows bananas in parts of New England now averaging between 68 and 75 cents per pound, up roughly 10 to 20 percent from February last year. Some stores have limited bulk discounting, while others are rotating alternative fruits into weekly ads due to supply uncertainty.
Consumers are beginning to notice the change. Shoppers report intermittent gaps on produce shelves, particularly at high-traffic stores near Route 128 and I-93. Food service businesses, including smoothie shops and cafeterias near office parks and college campuses, say they are adjusting menus or portion sizes to manage rising costs.
Agricultural experts say longer-term solutions, such as disease-resistant banana varieties and diversified sourcing, are being explored but will take time to scale. Until then, distributors expect availability to remain uneven through the end of winter.
The issue may be especially noticeable for commuters, students, and young workers who rely on affordable produce options at neighborhood grocery stores.
