Morrisons is to acquire its first banana ripening site in Boston, Lincolnshire, to improve the quality and consistency of its bananas in store.

In a joint venture with trading partner Global Pacific, the retailer is set to acquire the site from Del Monte, which ceased operations there in November 2011. It will create up to 80 jobs.

Morrisons said the move would allow it to cater for a range of consumer tastes for both slightly green and yellow bananas by controlling the maturing process of the fruit. The bananas will continue to be sourced from dedicated growers, but Morrisons will take direct control of the ripening process. 

“Bananas are the most popular fruit in the UK so it makes sense for Morrisons to apply its unique approach to food production to simplify the supply chain, cut out costs and improve quality”, said Morrisons CEO Dalton Philips.

“Adding this ripening factory to our business means we will be able to mature bananas more precisely to our customers’ different needs.”

Global Pacific CEO Chris Kilvington added: “We are delighted to be entering into this exciting partnership with Morrisons, and look forward to the opportunity to set up and run the site on their behalf.”

The acquisition of the banana facility will be the sixth addition to Morrisons’ manufacturing business. It owns a number of manufacturing sites including abattoirs, bakeries, a fish factory, flower factory and a produce packing facility.

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