Mark O'Sullivan BanaBay

Mark O'Sullivan

Up-and-coming UK-headquarted banana exporter BanaBay has expanded its market clientele yet again.

The firm has sgned two new deals in Italy and one in Poland, both of which came on the back of its maiden Fruit Logistica appearance. It is currently pursuing other deals, for which the groundwork was laid at the annual trade show.

In all, the Berlin event generated 90 different opportunities from over 20 countries across three continents for BanaBay, which has been trading

Mark O’Sullivan, BanaBay MD, said: “It was our first time at the event so to pick up business from day one was phenomenal. But now, of course, the hard work begins; both to bed in our new business, and secure those further contracts.”

As well as overseas interest, BanaBay, which has plantations in Ecuador, has also reported a promising response from the UK market, with several significant enquiries which could lead to sales of plantains - a new addition - and organic bananas.

Emma Tomlinson, BanaBay business development manager, said: “I am extremely pleased with the potential growth of our newest product lines being introduced in this country.”

BanaBay, which began trading operations at the start of 2013, has experienced 'meteoric growth' in its short life, and recently signed a deal with SH Pratt to handle its UK ripening programme.