Banana shortage hits Australian supermarkets amid cool weather

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 01:32 · Archive

Unusually cool weather in North Queensland has slowed banana production, causing empty shelves at Coles, Woolworths and Aldi.

Shoppers across Australia are confronting bare banana shelves at major supermarkets as unseasonably cool weather in Far North Queensland slows production. Woolworths confirmed that weather conditions have hit growers hard nationwide. "Weather in Far North Queensland has slowed banana growth, limiting stock. We are working with growers to restore normal supply," the supermarket said, predicting supply would return by November. Coles said in a similar statement that "banana variety may vary due to challenging growing conditions." Some stores have fewer varieties or greener bananas on display.

Nearly 95 per cent of Australia's bananas are grown in North Queensland, with the vast majority from the Cassowary Coast and Atherton Tablelands. Bananas are particularly sensitive crops requiring high heat and tropical humidity to develop properly, with cooler weather slowing growth rates. Shoppers have reported the shortage varies by location and time of day, with some finding limited stock whilst others found none. Some customers also complained about the quality of bananas available, with reports of overripe fruit arriving in some states, causing waste and rejections at distribution centres.

How it is being reported

• Coles and Woolworths hit by banana shortage as cool weather slows Queensland cropsWoolworths, Coles and Aldi shoppers are all reporting empty shelves as unseasonably cool weather in North Queensland smashes banana production.The West Australian · 17 Oct, 01:02
• Coles and Woolworths hit by banana shortage as cool weather slows Queensland cropsWoolworths, Coles and Aldi shoppers are all reporting empty shelves as unseasonably cool weather in North Queensland smashes banana production.Perth Now · 17 Oct, 01:02

In this story: Woolworths · Coles · Aldi · North Queensland · Cassowary Coast · Atherton Tablelands

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