In these tough economic times, the banana is proving to be a winner with consumers and investors alike.

“Bananas are a staple and a great value compared with other food items,” said Chiquita CEO Fernando Aguirre, who described the fruit as “recession resistant.”  “A banana sells on average for only 30 cents. Nowhere else in the grocery store can consumers find such a great value.”

Market analysts agreed: “Bananas are a low-cost item for consumers, “said Carla Caselle, analyst with J.P. Morgan, New York.   “People don’t consider not buying bananas.” 

Generally speaking, Ms. Caselle said a recession environment means food sold in supermarkets performs better than food sold in restaurants.

And it appears that the banana may be outselling all of them.

Chiquita Brands International (CQB) stock has rebounded strongly from a low of $8.58 on November 14, 2008 and is currently trading at $14.65 – a rise of 70%.