Bananas - the world's most popular fruit

The banana is not a tree; it is actually the world's largest perennial herb. Native to South East Asia, bananas were cultivated by man as early as 200A.D. There are about 400 varieties of bananas now grown throughout the world, but mostly in tropical countries. Our selected bananas are transported in purpose built ships called 'Reefer ships', which keep the bananas at cool temperatures so that they remain green and in peak condition during their journey to New Zealand. When they arrive and are ready to be distributed, they are taken to specially built ripening rooms throughout the country so that you can buy them at their best.

Dole brings several varieties into New Zealand from its farms in the Philippines.

Cavendish

Bobby Banana

Obanana

Paradise Plantain