CostaExchange Bananas
CostaExchange’s banana category is based in North Queensland where we and our joint venture partners manage four farms, two in Tully, one at Nerada west of Innisfail and one at Walkamin on the Atherton Tablelands. We grow Cavendish bananas, available to our customers 52 weeks per year. We also market Lady Finger bananas via our valued grower alliances.
Production facts
- 380 acres at Tully
- 950 acres at Nerada
- 106 acres at Walkamin (under development)
- Packing facilities at Tully and Nerada with another facility under construction at Walkamin
- 52 week supply solution
- Fruit packed within 24 hours of harvest
- Ship to all over Australia
- Plant regeneration program in place
Prior to the establishment of our Tully farms, there were pre-existing banana plantations at these sites. Part of the CostaExchange philosophy is to value what has come before, and put in place sustainable practice for the future. We have always placed an important focus on regeneration programs.
This contributes to the quality and consistency of our fruit. At any one time, up to 20 per cent of land may be fallowed for a 12 month period before replanting.
Growing regions
Cavendish bananas are grown on all of our properties in North Queensland. This includes of both of the Tully properties as well as at our joint venture farms at Nerada and Walkamin
We are committed to playing an active role within the communities where we operate, from the staff we employ through to supporting local business and community groups wherever possible.
Joint Venture Partner
Wadda Bananas and Costa operate a partnership in relation to property situated in the Innisfail hinterland of Far North Queensland that supplies bananas to the wholesale and retail sectors.
Learn more here about Wadda
Third Party Growers
We market produce grown by a number of third party growers. We provide technical support, particularly in the area of post harvest treatment of the fruit. These relationships stretch all the way to Carnarvon in Western Australia.
Growing methods
CostaExchange bananas strives to be at the forefront of innovation when it comes to bio-technological practice. During pre-harvest, the nutritional levels of the fruit are constantly monitored by regular soil and leaf testing. This ensures that the fruit all ripen at similar rates.
We maintain the correct nutritional balance for each plant by stimulating indigenous microbes in the soil. This reduces the need for fertiliser.
Bagging of fruit protects bananas from pests and disease.
Our Tully farms are located close to the coast near the Great Barrier Reef. We ensure that water run-off is kept to a minimum so we can play a part in protecting this vital and beautiful habitat – listed as one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
Selection and Storage
Post harvest temperature of bananas is crucial. Once picked, our bananas are immediately cooled to a temperature of 17°C. The majority of our bananas are ripened for sale, with a small percentage sold 'green'.
Distribution
We pack fruit within 24 hours of harvest. We supply bananas to Australia’s major supermarket chains as well as independent grocers and wholesale markets.
