The coronavirus COVID-19 and efforts to slow its spread have had a significant effect on the produce industry, forcing suppliers to adjust in a number of ways.

Chiquita Brands International, working with Feeding America, the YMCA, school districts and hospitals, has donated a million bananas during the COVID-19 crisis.

Dole Food Co. and Action for Healthy Kids is extending a helping hand to parents seeking food, health and nutrition advice as they navigate the reality of the COVID-19 crisis.

Oke USA Fruit Co./Equal Exchange Produce has intensified its consumer-focused marketing efforts on behalf of the three grower cooperatives with which it works in Ecuador and Peru.

Officers with the Customs and Border Protection at the Pharr (Texas) International Bridge cargo facility recently found more than two tons of marijuana hidden in a shipment of bananas.

In a show of solidarity, Miss Chiquita is staying home, too.

Kids and families are central to marketing efforts at Westlake Village, Calif.-based Dole Food Co. this year, said Bil Goldfield, director of corporate communications.

While world headlines are fixed on the coronavirus COVID-19, the banana industry is concerned, as well, about stopping the spread of Fusarium Wilt tropical race 4 — commonly called TR4 or Panama disease.

In the banana business, process is almost as important as product, according to some marketers. Organic bananas continue to gain market traction, marketers point out.

Good weather in South America has compensated for cool temperatures in Mexico to stabilize banana volume for the North American market heading into spring, marketers say.