Madeira banana sector sees nearly 20% drop in first‑half sales, producers demand price hike

The Regional Statistics Directorate (DREM) reported that banana commercialization in Madeira fell 19.8% in the first half of 2026, reaching 7,862.9 tonnes – a loss of 1,938 tonnes compared with the same period in 2025. The decline was attributed to adverse weather, including stormy conditions and lower average temperatures, which affected both the quantity and quality of the fruit. About 75.7% of the volume was exported to the mainland, down from 79.9% a year earlier.

At the same time, banana producers, led by the Association of Banana Producers of Madeira president Antonino de Abreu, are urging a price increase of 40 to 50 cents per kilogram, saying the current payment of roughly €1.09 per kilo is too low. The regional government (PSD/CDS‑PP) defended the public company Gesba, noting it now pays more promptly, provides a €17 million collective harvest insurance, and has advanced EU programme funds of €7.5 million. Gesba’s recent profit of €1.5 million and a €5‑cent bonus per kilo were cited as evidence of improved remuneration.

The opposition party ADN‑Madeira criticised regional agriculture secretary Nuno Maciel for “arrogance and prepotency,” accusing the government of ignoring producers’ grievances and of allowing Gesba to operate as a monopoly.