Azerbaijan has entered the banana market with its first locally grown bananas, cultivated without agrochemicals, making them an environmentally friendly option. These bananas boast a rich flavor, though they have a shorter shelf life compared to imported varieties.
The bananas are grown in a 10-hectare greenhouse in Buzovna, a settlement near Baku, managed by Fruit Land, a subsidiary of AZERA Holding. Currently in the early stages of production, the initial harvest is modest, yielding around 600 tons. However, the company plans to scale up production in the coming years. Depending on demand, the goal is to harvest bananas every nine months, gradually increasing output and offering a wider selection to local consumers.
Sales of Azerbaijani bananas began on February 4 and are now available in major retail chains such as Bazarstore, Rahat, and Ocean. Wholesale buyers can also purchase them at the Meyvəli market, making them accessible to both businesses and individual customers.
According to Kalantarov, a representative of the company, Azerbaijani bananas surpass those from Ecuador in taste, being sweeter and juicier, while meeting the quality standards expected by local consumers. Despite being locally grown, their pricing is competitive with imported bananas, making them an attractive choice for buyers.
To diversify market offerings, AZERA Holding has introduced two banana varieties: a standard-sized type and a smaller, more compact version. This move aims to cater to different consumer preferences and strengthen the presence of locally grown produce in the market.
