Producers in Western Australia's Gascoyne region have reduced food wastage by more than 90 per cent, thanks to industry collaboration, and value-adding efforts.
Banana producers in Carnarvon, 900 kilometres north of Perth, had been forced to throw away roughly 60 per cent of their crops in the past, due to undesirable sizing, ripeness, and marks on the fruit.
However since 2009, when a number of growers began working together under the 'Sweeter Banana Cooperative', the growers have managed to reduce their collective wastage to as low as 4 per cent by sending "seconds" to other companies who use them to make banana bread, smoothies and even gelato.
Wholesale gelato maker, Matteo Bocecci, discovered Carnarvon bananas through his local farmers market where the cooperative also sends seconds produce.
"It doesn't really matter for me if they look pretty, or they don't, as long as they taste amazing."
