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Tesco's Banana Order Error Sparks Community Collection Effort

3/30/2026

28 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Tesco in Kirkwall, Orkney, ordered 38,000 bananas, nearly double the island’s population.
The order was for 380 kilograms but 380 boxes were delivered due to an ordering error.
High winds and ferry disruptions prevented the return of the surplus.
Paula Clarke, Tesco’s community champion, posted an appeal on social media, prompting local groups to collect the fruit.
Tesco will also send bananas to Orkney’s outer isles.

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Story summary

Tesco in Kirkwall, Orkney, ordered 38,000 bananas, nearly double the island’s population.
The order was for 380 kilograms but 380 boxes were delivered due to an ordering error.
High winds and ferry disruptions prevented the return of the surplus.
Paula Clarke, Tesco’s community champion, posted an appeal on social media, prompting local groups to collect the fruit.
Tesco will also send bananas to Orkney’s outer isles.