Banana growers celebrate National Banana Day

The Australian banana industry is urging all lovers of the nutritious snack to get behind growers and show their support for National Banana Day tomorrow (May 1).

Bananas remain Australia’s favourite fruit, with 95 per cent of households buying an average of 800g each week.

Our locally grown bananas are regarded as some of the best in the world, backed by an industry that works tirelessly to produce high quality fruit all year round.

The past twelve months have been challenging for many local growers, with bushfires, cyclonic winds and torrential rain taking their toll. On top of this, the industry has been dealing with ongoing low prices, battling pest and disease, and coping with COVID-19 related worker shortages.

Despite these setbacks, most growers will quickly tell you there’s nothing they’d rather be doing.

“Farming is not for the faint-hearted,” Australian Banana Growers’ Council chair and Tully grower Stephen Lowe said.

“But it’s what we love. Being able to produce a local, high-quality, nutritious snack for Australian consumers is a pretty special feeling.

“As an industry, we are constantly striving to do better, to try new and innovative ideas. While we all have our own businesses to run, we know we’re also working together for something bigger – keeping that tasty Aussie fruit on grocery shelves right around the country.”

Mr Lowe encouraged all growers and banana lovers to celebrate National Banana Day tomorrow, by joining with Australian Bananas’ ‘Get Moving’ theme or simply enjoying a piece of fruit.

Fast Facts:

  • 95 per cent of Australian households by bananas

  • Supply per capita is just under 15kg

  • All bananas sold in Australian grocery stores are locally grown

  • 94 per cent of banana production is based in Queensland, with 4 per cent in NSW and 2 per

    cent in WA. There are also fantastic growers in the Northern Territory.

  • Production for 2019/29 came to 381,676t, with an estimated value of $596m

    How you can get involved in National Banana Day:

  • Visit Australian Bananas on Facebook for tips on how to get involved, a free, live workout with NRL legend Billy Slater (9am tomorrow!) and a fantastic competition to win a surfing lesson with surfing star Laura Enever.

  • Growers and banana lovers can use #nationalbananaday2021 on Facebook or Instagram to share their banana antics.

  • Growers are also welcome to text their pictures and videos to the Australian Banana Growers’ Council on 0439 005 946. Keep an eye on the page for plenty of behind-the-scenes snippets from growers around the country!

  • Most importantly – enjoy a banana! Eat as is, get baking, pop one in a smoothie – whatever takes your fancy!