Anger as Coles in home of the Big Banana to drop local bananas
Coffs Coast banana farmers struggle to make sense of a decision that will remove their produce from the shelves of a major local supermarket.
Coles has terminated its arrangement to supply locally grown bananas, cucumbers, and pumpkins to outlets along the Coffs Coast. The supermarket chain claims this move aims to streamline its supply chain and concentrate on fewer, key partnerships. Local farmers, however, are outraged by the decision, which could impact approximately 40 households.
Woolworths has pledged to purchase some of the surplus produce. Coles' action is perceived as a blow to the Coffs Coast's banana industry, with farmers expressing concern over the potential loss of their iconic fruit. Instead of locally sourced bananas, Coles stores in Coffs Harbour will likely receive fruits transported from North Queensland, a journey of 1,600 kilometers compared to just six kilometers from the region.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
