Changes in the banana world, according to The Packer:
Chiquita, Dole face profit squeeze from weak bananas
By Bruce Blythe
Published on 10/28/2010 12:53PM
…The banana market has been a concern for the produce industry for more than a year after global recession and a cold winter hurt demand. Recent price weakness raises questions whether Chiquita and Dole will see the improved conditions their executives predicted earlier this year.
Additionally, strength in Latin American currencies, such as the Costa Rican colon, has raised costs for U.S. and European importers, Jones said. Rising costs may force large, multinational fruit companies to buy less or shut some growing operations next year, she said….