Story perspectives

Coles, Woolworths, Aldi Face Banana Shortage From Queensland Cold

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 12:02 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Coles, Woolworths and Aldi report banana shortages because cool spring temperatures slowed growth in Far North Queensland.
Far North Queensland produces about 95 % of Australia’s bananas, concentrating supply risk.
Coles will source 100 % of bananas from Australian growers, ending its Golden Dawn partnership by October.
Supermarkets keep banana prices below $5 per kilo to maintain shopper demand.
Growers expect supply to normalize by November despite continued below-normal temperatures.

History

Historical Context

In 1996, a Panama disease outbreak devastated Queensland’s banana plantations, wiping out roughly one-third of the crop and prompting emergency bans. The Queensland Department of Agriculture recorded a 30% yield decline, estimating AU$120 million losses for growers that year. Now, Coles, Woolworths and Aldi report banana shortages as an unusually cool spring in Far North Queensland stalls growth, echoing the 1996 crisis. The repeat vulnerability drives retailers to pledge 100% Australian sourcing and urges the Queensland Government to invest in climate-resilient farming.

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Story summary

Coles, Woolworths and Aldi report banana shortages because cool spring temperatures slowed growth in Far North Queensland.
Far North Queensland produces about 95 % of Australia’s bananas, concentrating supply risk.
Coles will source 100 % of bananas from Australian growers, ending its Golden Dawn partnership by October.
Supermarkets keep banana prices below $5 per kilo to maintain shopper demand.
Growers expect supply to normalize by November despite continued below-normal temperatures.

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