The banana farmer delivers the produce to the nearest packing station – in some cases via an intermediate collection point.

After harvesting is complete the fruit is selected, labelled and packaged at the packing station.

From the palm tree to the pier, our Agrofair South Program offers technical assistance to our producers and carries out pre-shipment quality checks in all countries of origin. During the packaging process, most production sites apply box code labelling for tracking purposes.

Bananas loading into the container for transport to harbour.

During maritime transport, bananas are stored in large refrigerated containers.

Upon arrival in Rotterdam Harbour, the bananas continue by road to our warehouse in Barendrecht where the yellow gold (that is actually still green at this point) is unloaded

One of the pillars of our Quality system is the arrival quality check. Inspected by our Quality Control Team to make sure they are top bananas: meeting with our Quality and Health & Safety requirements.

Next step is a little banana wellness break: time-out for ripening. Through the use of climate control and natural gasses, this can be done to the retailers’ exact specifications. The last leg of the supply chain is the trip to retailers and finally to our end-user: the consumer.

All in all it’s a long haul, but the glorious fruit is definitely worth it!