A family of growers from North Queensland have launched Australia's first banana vending machine in Brisbane this week.
For a couple of dollars and a few seconds wait, city workers can now enjoy a fresh banana from the fertile plains of Tully anytime they like.
It's a big departure from the chocolate bars and soft drinks that usually fill Australian vending machines, and third-generation banana farmer Daniel MacKay thinks he's on to something big.
But getting fragile fruit from family farm to mechanical dispensary was no easy task – the MacKays dreamt up the idea 20 years ago though technology and biology held them back.
“When we first looked at it, the technology wasn't really there – we needed a machine that would hold the bananas at the right temperature, and we needed one that wouldn't damage the fruit as it was dispensed,” Mr Mackay said.
“And then you have the problem of the banana's bend – you've got to get them to sit properly and regularly on the shelf in the machines so you need a consistent bend."
“So we actually invented our own banana, and then we figured out how to wrap them in plastic so they can stay fresher longer and transport better, and then about three years ago we found the right machine to actually do the job.”
Hence the trademarked Smart Bananas sit in 12 degree comfort inside the Banana Bar machine installed at the bustling Post Office Square food court, retailing at $2 for three, or $3 for five.
And Mr MacKay says early signs are promising.
“People are really enjoying them so far as we can tell,” he said.
“I think we hit the right time – people are interested in healthy food but they still want convenience.”
If business goes well, Mr MacKay said the family would like to see more of their bars rolled out across Brisbane and the rest of Australia, especially at schools and hospitals.
“We'd like to have a least seven up and running in the CBD,” he said.
“We've been growing bananas since 1945, and we're always looking for new ways to bring our product to people.”
