Nowadays Cavendish bananas are the most sought-after banana type around the world. Even though this type of banana has been produced commercially since 1903, the dominance and popularity dates back to the 1950’s when the Gros Michel banana, also known as Big Mike, was nearly wiped out by Panama disease. This disease was causes by a fungus which infected the plant, completely killing it. This brought a new age to banana plantations and export.
Banana farmers had to quickly find another variety which had similar characteristics, was suitable for export, and was appealing to foreign buyers. The necessary qualities had one clear candidate to replace the Gros Michael bananas, the Cavendish banana, especially for exporting.
What makes Cavendish Bananas great for export?
1. Resistant to Panama Disease
Once Panama Disease started wiping out the Gros Michel banana the only other type that seemed resistant to the disease and had similar qualities was the Cavendish variety. Despite having a very different taste, and less sweet, the Cavendish banana proved to be extremely successful when exported to the United States. Big advertising campaigns helped make a name for it, making it a household favorite. It became an overnight sensation, making its commercial success much higher than the old variety.
2. Grows easily
The Cavendish Banana grows in pretty much any soil, making it great for mass production. This was highly important after the Gros Michel was wiped out, as farmers from different countries had to find a variety that would grow on the same soils and be able to be mass produced. This banana type can be planted from the backyard of homes to massive banana plantation. Even though it happens to be easy to produce, farmers have found the ideal conditions and procedures to maximize production, yield, and quality. Ideal acidic soil pH levels which range from 5.5 to 6.5 make for a healthier plant. Processes such as bagging the bananas as they grow have made the exporting process highly consistent. Another benefit of this is being able to grow more bananas in the same amount of land, making production cheaper and much more efficient. Not only is it easy to grow, it grows all throughout the year in tropical climates, making it readily available to import all 365 days a year.
3. Genetically identical
Every single Cavendish Banana that is produced, exported, imported, and bought by the final consumer in a market is genetically identical. This characteristic makes it ideal for mass market adoption as every single banana bought has the same color, shape, and flavor. Consumers won’t have to worry about what they are buying, they simply grab a banana, buy it, and eat it happily. In today’s consumer market consistency is key, as people would much rather buy the product they enjoy, rather than having to choose from multiple varieties or even have the same type taste and be different. Each Cavendish Banana is basically a clone of all the others in display.
4. Physically attractive
When consumers are asked to describe a banana, they will describe the physical qualities of a cavendish banana. The all around famous bright yellow, near perfect surface banana, with little to no brown spots. In the world there are currently over one thousand different varieties of bananas, ranging from size, color, taste, and many other distinctive qualities. If a market sells red banana consumers would be thrown off by the looks of it, or a perfectly fine banana with plenty of bruise marks. Consumers want what’s familiar to them and looks healthy to consume, and Cavendish Bananas are perfect in that category. Unless the consumer lived in a banana producing country the odds are, they’ve never been exposed to any other banana type, and advertising campaigns further implant the notion that a banana is bright yellow with a perfect surface and no bruising marks. In current times the process of producing and exporting Cavendish Banana has been perfected up to the point that every banana is sold to the consumer at the right stage of ripening.
5. Consistent quality and cost
The production and exporting process has made the final product as consistent as possible. The banana gets treated prior to shipping in container so the banana doesn’t ripen beforehand. During the harvesting process and cleaning every surface and handling step is made with extreme care not to damage the fruit. Arriving to the importer at the optimal stage and sold at a stage in which the banana is ready for consumption. All In all, the banana is produced specifically for the final consumer, having the same color, stage, and flavor. The technology and process of Cavendish Banana farming has reached a point were the economy behind it is highly lucrative. Costs of producing and exporting banana have made the fruit extremely cheap, which makes it ideal for every household home. Combined with successful marketing, Cavendish Bananas sell extremely well throughout the year.
In conclusion, Cavendish Bananas have come to revolutionize the fruit market ever since it was originally introduced after the downfall of Gros Michel Bananas. A great consistent quality, at extremely costeffective prices, makes it the ideal fruit for mass market consumers. The process of importing banana has never been easier as well, with the digital revolution the information and suppliers are easy to find and trade with.
If you want to learn more about Cavendish Bananas or if you’re interested in importing Premium Cavendish Bananas, feel free to contact us at Total Fruit. We offer outstanding quality Cavendish Bananas, ready for export. We make sure the process is as easy, and your expectations are met.