Certification in the value chain for fresh fruits: the example of banana industry. FAO Commodity Studies No. 4
Certification to voluntary standards is increasingly used by banana producers and exporters worldwide. This report deals with voluntary certification schemes, with a particular focus on those that use an on-product label targeting consumers and have the potential to generate a price premium. The report describes the main patterns of international trade in certified bananas and examines the market situation and prospects of certified organic and fair-trade bananas.
Export prices for certified bananas are analysed and compared to those of conventional fruit for a selection of producing countries. The report analyses the distribution of prices along selected value chains and seeks to determine whether producing countries reap the full benefits of certified banana exports. It examines the policy implications and suggests areas for further research and action.
