Top 10 Plantain Importing Countries in the World in 2025
Introduction
Plantains are a popular fruit that is widely consumed around the world, especially in tropical regions. While many countries produce their own plantains, there are several nations that heavily rely on imports to meet the demand for this versatile fruit. In this report, we will explore the top 10 plantain importing countries in the world in 2025, analyzing their import volumes, trends, and key players in the industry.
1. United States
The United States is one of the largest importers of plantains in the world, with a growing demand for this fruit among its diverse population. In 2025, the US imported over 500,000 metric tons of plantains, mainly from countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Major companies involved in plantain imports in the US include Dole Food Company, Chiquita Brands International, and Fresh Del Monte Produce.
2. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is another significant importer of plantains, with a strong demand for this fruit among its immigrant population from the Caribbean and Africa. In 2025, the UK imported around 300,000 metric tons of plantains, primarily from countries like Ghana, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast. Key players in the UK plantain import market include Fyffes, Geest Line, and Windward Bananas.
3. Canada
Canada is also a major importer of plantains, with a growing trend towards incorporating this fruit into its diverse cuisine. In 2025, Canada imported approximately 200,000 metric tons of plantains, sourcing them from countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and Panama. Leading companies in the Canadian plantain import industry include Turbana, Banacol, and Chestnut Hill Farms.
4. France
France has a strong demand for plantains, particularly in its overseas territories in the Caribbean and Africa. In 2025, France imported over 150,000 metric tons of plantains, primarily from countries such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Ivory Coast. Major players in the French plantain import market include Compagnie Fruitière, Banamex, and Banafruits.
5. Germany
Germany is a significant importer of plantains, with a growing interest in tropical fruits among its consumers. In 2025, Germany imported around 100,000 metric tons of plantains, sourcing them from countries like Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Suriname. Key companies involved in plantain imports in Germany include Fyffes, Dole Food Company, and Chiquita Brands International.
6. Netherlands
The Netherlands is a key player in the global plantain import market, serving as a major distribution hub for plantains in Europe. In 2025, the Netherlands imported over 80,000 metric tons of plantains, mainly from countries such as Ecuador, Honduras, and Costa Rica. Leading companies in the Dutch plantain import industry include Fyffes, Chiquita Brands International, and Del Monte Fresh Produce.
7. Belgium
Belgium is also a significant importer of plantains, with a growing demand for this fruit among its multicultural population. In 2025, Belgium imported approximately 70,000 metric tons of plantains, sourcing them from countries like Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Ghana. Major players in the Belgian plantain import market include Compagnie Fruitière, Fyffes, and Windward Bananas.
8. Spain
Spain has a strong tradition of consuming plantains, particularly in its Canary Islands and African territories. In 2025, Spain imported over 60,000 metric tons of plantains, primarily from countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Key companies in the Spanish plantain import industry include Dole Food Company, Fyffes, and Geest Line.
9. Italy
Italy is a growing importer of plantains, with an increasing interest in tropical fruits among its consumers. In 2025, Italy imported around 50,000 metric tons of plantains, sourcing them from countries like Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon. Leading companies in the Italian plantain import market include Compagnie Fruitière, Banacol, and Turbana.
10. Japan
Japan is a niche market for plantains, with a small but growing demand for this fruit among its population. In 2025, Japan imported approximately 30,000 metric tons of plantains, mainly from countries like Philippines, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Key players in the Japanese plantain import industry include Dole Food Company, Chiquita Brands International, and Fresh Del Monte Produce.
Overall, the global plantain import market is driven by the increasing diversity of consumer preferences, as well as the growing popularity of tropical fruits in various cuisines around the world. As demand for plantains continues to rise, these top 10 importing countries are expected to play a crucial role in meeting the needs of consumers worldwide.
