BanaBay is planning to launch a series of new plantain snacks, as well as re-enter the UK market.
The fresh fruit supplier is working on two new as-yet unnamed brands of plantain crisps, one aimed specifically at the Latin American market and another for the UK/Europe and Asia. The products, which feature garlic, lemon, bacon, spicy and natural flavours, are due to undergo focus group tests in March with a view to rolling them out later in the year.
'Nobody is doing branded plantain crisps,' explained BanaBay managing director Mark O'Sullivan. 'But they are healthier than regular crisps and tap into the trend for healthier snacks.'
The company pulled out of UK supply some 18 months ago, but the plantain crisps would represent a return to the market where it is based. Instead it has been busy on the international market, picking up fruit supply business in Korea, New Zealand and China, where it is working on developing a relationship with the supermarket Goodfarmer under its own label.
BanaBay is also working with one of its Ecuadorean partners to produce a banana health bar, while another project for later in 2017 is the development of a chocolate-covered frozen banana.
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