Trader Joe's Raises Banana Price for First Time in Over 20 Years Due to Rising Costs

• Trader Joe's recently increased price of bananas from 19 cents to 23 cents, first price increase in over 20 years • Price increase necessary due to rising costs, though TJ's has lowered prices on some other produce • TJ's banana price famously cheap; customers' favorite produce item • Banana prices stayed affordable due to fierce grocery competition and role as loss leader • Experts warn climate change could drive banana prices up further in future