Australian Banana Growers Council Chair Stephen Lowe says there were seven key messages to come of the biennial Congress that wrapped up on the Gold Coast last week.
"Firstly, success is about hard work and passion," he told the Banana Ball awards dinner. "If you want to design a packhouse see Jacko (Marc Jackson from Fyffes), Banana best sellers are hard to come by, gluten free bananas are now available, to be successful we must embrace change, we need to tell the story of our business, The best TR4 advice available is to implement on-farm biosecurity."
FreshPlaza attended the three day congress, which had more than 200 delegates from all across Australia and even as far away as Ecuador.
Click here for the photo report
Click here for the Photo Report
The Banana Ball was also attended by Queensland's Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner, who paid credit to the industry's innovation and highly professional outlook, which he says has built a highly-esteemed reputation globally.
"The industry has such a positive and proactive approach to solving problems," he said. "As well as looking to expand production and growing consumption, despite all of the challenges faced in the industry. I have been particularly impressed by the collaboration and approach shown by the industry with government, research bodies, the community and responding to TR4 Panama disease. Our government has made significant investment in the industry, and we are very aware of its economic importance - some $600 million, and it is important to promote and take care of it. Levy funded marketing activities will continue to drive consumption, reminding buyers of the qualities of your product and encourage innovation in the supply chain."
Australia's production solely supplies the domestic market, with a very small volume exported. Exploring the global market trends was another key theme in the congress, and Mr Furner believes there is potential for exports one day.
"Our fresh, clean, green and safe produce is what the Asian consumers are looking for," Mr Furner said. "The work that the banana industry are doing is of vital importance in maintaining and growing that reputation to expand export markets. There is no doubt consumers across the region are keen to try Australian Produce, and there is no reason why Australian bananas cannot succeed in cracking high value markets."