Bananas are a very popular fruit around the world, due to their sweetness and ease of peeling. The most popular type in the early 1900s was the "Gros Michael", larger and sweeter than the ones eaten in America and Europe today. It was largely wiped out by Panama disease, a root fungus, due to its lack of genetic diversity. The current and popular Cavendish, is under attack by the same disease, also due to its lack of genetic diversity. Fruit farmers are looking for new varieties to replace it.

The globalization of the world food supply provides for year round availability of bananas. The current market trend includes sufficient demand for organic bananas that they are available in most major supermarkets at a slightly higher price. Buying organic is not as critical when purchasing bananas since the skin is removed and discarded.