Shoppers at supermarkets across New Zealand have noticed several signs on empty shelves where Bananas usually are.
The damages of Cyclone Gabrielle are ongoing, with local horticulture being one of the most affected industries. However, the extreme weather events have also disrupted the supply of our imported goods, Bananas included.
Banana shortages have resulted from export boats being incapable of travelling to New Zealand due to Cyclone Gabrielle and having instead needed to divert to Australia. However, Bananas are not the only fresh produce affected by the cyclone.
Gareth Edgecombe, Chief Executive of Turners & Growers Global (T&G), commented that the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle has been devastating, particularly for their growers in the Hawkes Bay and Gisborne Region.
“In Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, the cyclone has impacted key infrastructure, with power and telecommunication outages, and some roads and bridges impassable,” explained Edgecombe.
The flooding impacted the apple orchards of T&G and their partner growers, including their post-harvest facility in Whakatu. Their Whakatu facility, which was without power, is fortunately now operational with the power restored.
Edgecombe stated that they have begun to harvest their Royal Gala Apples and expect to have them and that their Whakatu facility is packaging the apples ready for export. Further reports on their other orchards are yet to be released. However, Edgecombe stated that detailed assessments would be completed over the coming week as more of their orchards open again.
When Bananas are on our shelves again is yet to be known, but T&G Global's priority is the safety of their team, growers and affected communities.
“T&G Global’s immediate priority has been to ensure the safety and welfare of our people, seasonal team members, partner growers and the community.”
