MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russian retail chains are considering opportunities for importing bananas from different countries to diversify sourcing and reduce dependence on Ecuador, chairman of the Presidium of the Retail Companies Association Igor Karavaev told TASS.

Ecuador is the top supplier of bananas to Russia and the share of products from this country traditionally accounts for more than 95%. The country remains the key supplier of bananas to the Russian market since bananas from Ecuador has high quality, long shelf life, and withstands lengthy transportation, Karavaev said.

"At the same time, retail chains are considering offers from different markets to reduce dependence on seasonal, weather and political factors in Ecuador, which may lead to the appreciation in prices or disruptions in deliveries of bananas. Russian retails endeavor to diversify sources of supplies, so that the customers have the broadest possible choice at affordable prices," the expert noted.

India, Costa Rica, and Brazil can be considered to be the potential additional sources. The Philippines, Angola, Guatemala, Tanzania, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru are also among key global producers of bananas.