New bananas just a taste test away
Published Tuesday, 13 July, 2010 at 04:01 PM
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
13 July 2010
Scientists have gone on a global search to discover which varieties of overseas-grown bananas are suitable to be cultivated and consumed in the Queensland market.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the Australian market is dominated by just two varieties, the Cavendish and Lady Finger.
“Cavendish bananas make up 95 percent of production while just four percent of bananas produced are Lady Fingers,” he said.
“Feedback from industry and retailers suggests by offering a wider selection of bananas, the opportunity exists to increase sales and consumption.
“Researchers from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) selected fifteen types of banana from 200 varieties grown overseas.
“The bananas have been grown at DEEDI’s South Johnstone Research Station in north Queensland and today they’ll be taste-tested by consumers.
“Today, Gros Michel, High Noon, Gold Finger and a banana called FHIA-18 from a breeding program in Honduras that doesn’t have a name yet will be on trial, along with the Cavendish.
“Several of these types are important commercial varieties in Asian countries.
“While Cavendish has a superior yield in the absence of disease, the varieties on trial are quite hardy and disease and pest resistant.
“They have a superior shelf life to Cavendish bananas but Lady Finger bananas have the best shelf life.”
The Minister said the Queensland banana industry is forecast to produce about 300,000 tonnes of fruit per year valued at $460 million.
“While Cavendish represents 95% of the Australian market, worldwide it represents just 45% of production,” he said.
“In many parts of Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and Africa other varieties are preferred over Cavendish.
“Varieties such as Ducasse, Goldfinger, Sucrier, Pacific Plantain and Red Dacca make up one percent of production in Australia but they’re valued at between $15-$20 million.
Consumer Behaviour Researcher Katrina Gething, based at the new Coopers Plains Health and Food Sciences Precinct on Brisbane’s south side, said the research is important for industry.
“Today’s taste test will give us clear indication which varieties are attractive to the public,” she said.
“Distinct target markets often have different needs to be satisfied, because families with young children may prefer a smaller banana suitable to modest appetites.
“This will help the banana industry make informed decisions on what varieties might successfully be commercialised.”
Senior DEEDI researcher Jeff Daniells, who leads the project, said the research will also focus on the supply chain and what barriers exist to new varieties entering the market.
“Initially the new varieties may be more expensive but the opportunity to deliver more variety into the marketplace should be explored.
“Of the fifteen varieties tested today we want to select 4-6 varieties that have the best chance of making a successful market debut.
“Once we have this list we will conduct large scale research to determine consumer attitudes and market potential about the chosen varieties.”
The research has been facilitated by Horticulture Australia Limited in partnership with the Australian banana industry and has been funded by the banana industry levy.
The Australian government provides matched funding for all HAL’s R&D activities.
For more information visit www.deedi.qld.gov.au
Media 3239 3120
Pictures available
Interviews with taste-testers available
Scientists have gone on a global search to discover which varieties of overseas-grown bananas are suitable to be cultivated and consumed in the Queensland market.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the Australian market is dominated by just two varieties, the Cavendish and Lady Finger.
“Cavendish bananas make up 95 percent of production while just four percent of bananas produced are Lady Fingers,” he said.
“Feedback from industry and retailers suggests by offering a wider selection of bananas, the opportunity exists to increase sales and consumption.
“Researchers from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) selected fifteen types of banana from 200 varieties grown overseas.
“The bananas have been grown at DEEDI’s South Johnstone Research Station in north Queensland and today they’ll be taste-tested by consumers.
“Today, Gros Michel, High Noon, Gold Finger and a banana called FHIA-18 from a breeding program in Honduras that doesn’t have a name yet will be on trial, along with the Cavendish.
“Several of these types are important commercial varieties in Asian countries.
“While Cavendish has a superior yield in the absence of disease, the varieties on trial are quite hardy and disease and pest resistant.
“They have a superior shelf life to Cavendish bananas but Lady Finger bananas have the best shelf life.”
The Minister said the Queensland banana industry is forecast to produce about 300,000 tonnes of fruit per year valued at $460 million.
“While Cavendish represents 95% of the Australian market, worldwide it represents just 45% of production,” he said.
“In many parts of Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and Africa other varieties are preferred over Cavendish.
“Varieties such as Ducasse, Goldfinger, Sucrier, Pacific Plantain and Red Dacca make up one percent of production in Australia but they’re valued at between $15-$20 million.
Consumer Behaviour Researcher Katrina Gething, based at the new Coopers Plains Health and Food Sciences Precinct on Brisbane’s south side, said the research is important for industry.
“Today’s taste test will give us clear indication which varieties are attractive to the public,” she said.
“Distinct target markets often have different needs to be satisfied, because families with young children may prefer a smaller banana suitable to modest appetites.
“This will help the banana industry make informed decisions on what varieties might successfully be commercialised.”
Senior DEEDI researcher Jeff Daniells, who leads the project, said the research will also focus on the supply chain and what barriers exist to new varieties entering the market.
“Initially the new varieties may be more expensive but the opportunity to deliver more variety into the marketplace should be explored.
“Of the fifteen varieties tested today we want to select 4-6 varieties that have the best chance of making a successful market debut.
“Once we have this list we will conduct large scale research to determine consumer attitudes and market potential about the chosen varieties.”
The research has been facilitated by Horticulture Australia Limited in partnership with the Australian banana industry and has been funded by the banana industry levy.
The Australian government provides matched funding for all HAL’s R&D activities.
For more information visit www.deedi.qld.gov.au
Media 3239 3120
Pictures available
Interviews with taste-testers available