Reducing banana shrink: practical steps

Banana shrink, or stock loss, rarely has a single cause. It is usually linked to an unsuitable stage for the route, transport or handling problems, and stock management mistakes. Small improvements in these areas can help reduce losses.

Where shrink usually comes from

• Unplanned variation in ripeness stage within a pallet
• Temperature changes during transport or storage
• Slow sales that leave stock in storage too long
• Rough handling that bruises fruit

How controlled ripening helps

• Planning the stage around delivery day and sales rate
• Greater consistency of stage within each pallet
• A final quality check before loading to identify discrepancies

What the buyer can do

• Unload and store promptly, without leaving pallets on warm loading bays
• Use FIFO (first in, first out), as the ripeness stage changes over time
• Adjust the stage for the season and promotional weeks
• Track returns by route and day to identify recurring problems

Practical takeaway

Start with a trial batch and record returns, write-offs and the number of days the fruit remains saleable. Agree on the assessment criteria and use the measurements to decide which changes are needed.