A slowdown in Queensland’s Cavendish banana growth has prompted Woolworths to warn of limited displays in its Australian stores, with the retailer projecting a return to normal supply by November 2026.
The Woolworths notice, reproduced by 7NEWS, linked slower growth to cooler weather in Far North Queensland. A separate message said stocks could be limited that week despite daily deliveries, The Guardian reported. Woolworths’ Fresh Market Update says cool growing conditions can dull Cavendish skins without changing the fruit’s taste or quality.
Queensland’s share of production gives regional growing conditions national significance. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated the state produced 346,579 tonnes in the 2024-25 financial year, about 94% of the national total of 369,000 tonnes. The agency identifies the figures as experimental estimates.
A Queensland Department of Primary Industries handbook says temperature affects banana growth. It places the optimum near 27 degrees Celsius and estimates maturation takes six to eight months in colder periods, compared with three to four months in summer.
The Guardian reported that apple season was winding down after a poor harvest, while summer stone fruit had not yet arrived in substantial quantities. The Guardian reported that peach and nectarine prices were expected to fall as their season began, while mango supplies were rising.
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council expected the supply squeeze to ease as temperatures rose, The Guardian reported. ABC News reported a similar disruption in 2014, when Jim Pekin of the Australian Banana Growers Council said a colder-than-normal winter had reduced banana output.
7NEWS reported that Woolworths’ notice had been displayed since Oct. 2 and was scheduled to remain in stores nationwide through Oct. 27. The notice projected normal supply by November 2026.
