Best Banana Processing Practices for Sustainable Banana Supply Chain Management: Thailand Perspective

Abstract

Banana exports are becoming important sources of Thailand's revenue since bananas are perceived as full of nutrients and people consume them not only as a food staple but also as a nutritious supplement. Since consumers are concerned about the health effects of chemical residue in food, it is becoming important for banana exporters to make sure bananas are not contaminated by chemicals, bacteria, mold or insects. This means improving standards in banana production processes. The receiving and packaging steps begin first, when bananas arrive from the farm. Then bananas are inspected and information is recorded. Next, bananas are weighed, tested, cleaned, cut, and packed. After the final packing data is recorded, labels are put on cartons. Finally, specific storage procedures are required before determining delivery dates for target destinations. Effective banana processing practices will sustain Thailand's competitive edge in the world banana market.

Full text

International Journal of Management Sciences and Business Research, 2014 ISSN (2226-8235) Vol-3, Issue 12
http://www.ijmsbr.com Page 1
Best Banana Processing Practices for Sustainable Banana Supply Chain Management: Thailand Perspective
Author Detail:
Dr. Adisak Suvittawat- Burapha University, International College 169 Long Hard Bangsean Road, Saen Sook,
Chonburi Thailand 20131-Correspondence: Dr.Adisak Suvittawat
Abstract
Banana exports are becoming important sources of Thailand’s revenue since bananas are perceived as full of
nutrients and people consume them not only as a food staple but also as a nutritious supplement. Since consumers are
concerned about the health effects of chemical residue in food, it is becoming important for banana exporters to make
sure bananas are not contaminated by chemicals, bacteria, mold or insects. This means improving standards in
banana production processes. The receiving and packaging steps begin first, when bananas arrive from the farm.
Then bananas are inspected and information is recorded. Next, bananas are weighed, tested, cleaned, cut, and
packed. After the final packing data is recorded, labels are put on cartons. Finally, specific storage procedures are
required before determining delivery dates for target destinations. Effective banana processing practices will sustain
Thailand’s competitive edge in the world banana market.
Key words: Banana, processing, sustainable, supply chain management
Introduction
Bananas are the world‟s leading fruit crop. In 2004
about 103 million tons (MT) of bananas were
produced worldwide (FAOSTAT, 2004). Very few
bananas are processed; they are mostly bought as raw
fruit.
Banana exports increased from 14,080 MT in 2004, to
23,733 MT in 2013, and were valued at 8.1 million US
dollars (MUSD) and 12.8 MUSD, respectively
(UNCOMTRADE, 2014). The main countries for
banana exports are China (worth 70% of total world
exports), USA (9%), Malaysia (7%) and Japan (6 %).
As bananas are becoming one of Thailand‟s fruit
exports, Thailand needs to focus on developing better
processing practices to remain competitive in the
world market. Chemical residue testing should be done
regularly to ensure consumer health and confidence.
The most successful banana processing procedures
will lead to satisfied consumers.
Customers want processing practices that keep
bananas fresh, reduce the perishable rate, and produce
an attractive color. If Thailand‟s banana exports can
meet these standards Thailand will maintain a
competitive advantage in the world market. Research
needs to be conducted to determine the best banana
processing practices for Thailand‟s banana exports.
Literature Review
Tropical fruits and vegetables have become important
products in Japan‟s market as the Japanese are
consuming more tropical fruits and vegetables from
other countries. However Thai fruit and vegetable
exports to Japan are quite low since the competitive
market gives Japanese many choices among producers
(Kitagawa, 1991). The demand for Thai fruit in Japan
is still high but it must be good quality. If the quality
falls below consumer expectations, that producer will
never be contacted again.
Banana cutting methods that use mechanical tools
cause damage, and make bananas sensitive to weight
loss, and invasions of microorganisms. Banana quality
will decrease if bananas are damaged in the cutting
process (Maria, et al., 2011).
Banana ripening depends mainly on temperature and
weight loss, which directly influence banana quality. It
is impossible to identify just one banana quality
attribute that would explain a loss of banana quality;
this means there are many reasons for poor quality
bananas (Nunes et al., 2013).
Banana quality deteriorates during the shipping
process, since quality is affected by the temperature of
the shipping container. High temperatures can be
caused by two factors: the air itself and biological
processes in banana boxes in containers. Rotting
bananas can raise the container temperature for all the
other bananas (Jedermann et al. 2013).
Vegetable quality is very important since it reflects to
either consumer confident or market potential. Water
loss from vegetables directly affects vegetable‟s
quality and it also limit marketable of fresh vegetables.
For example, when chili pepper skins crack, the
moisture loss affects their quality. Effective
postharvest practices such as setting the right storage
temperature can reduce the loss of quality
(Jansasithorn et al. 2014).
Banana growers intensified their production systems
by increasing technology for farm inputs and their
strategies were very labor intensive. An economic
analysis noted that higher labor costs increased
agricultural subsidies (de Barros et al. 2009).

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Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables has
created an awareness of health benefits and this is also
linked to concerns about illnesses caused by
contaminated food. When fruit is only washed with
water, contaminants are not reduced as well as when a
chlorine treatment is added. Therefore preparing the
washing solution, which may include Ph levels, and
the washing method become important (Alvarado-
Casillas et al. 2007).
Many companies are providing crop protection
pesticides, good packing materials, excellent
transportation systems, good storage practices and
other services, which affect banana quality and
production processes.Thai bananas are delicious, have
an attractive smell, and are softer than bananas from
other countries. However, disadvantages of Thai
bananas include thin skins and that they ripen too
quickly.
In 2007 Japan allocated an annual import quota of 4
tons of Thai bananas which was expected to increase
to 8,000 tons in 2008. Banana exports to Japan outside
the quota allocation would receive a higher tariff, at 10
percent or 20 percent, depending on the export season
(Pratruangkra, 2011).The banana supply chain can be
divided into the following main processes: growing,
packing, transportation and receiving, loading at ports,
unloading at ports, ripening rate and distribution.
Methodology
The analysis is based on primary data from market
surveys both at the manufacturer and farmer levels and
by applying the descriptive method to secondary data.
This study focuses on current banana processing
practices in terms of how they are affecting production
processes. The analysis was done after the survey,
which considered the best processing practices for
banana exports.The exploratory research focused on
responses to questionnaires from 14 banana collectors
who exported bananas.
The questionnaires were separated into five parts,
depending on the research parameter measurements.
The first questionnaires focused on the effects of
banana cutting, which can damage the fruit, allow
bacterial infections, cause weight loss and stimulate
the ripening process. The second questionnaires
focused on the effects of banana washing, the over
flow stream practice, the removal of unnecessary plant
parts, preparations for washing bananas, and the
impact of labor intensive processes.
The third questionnaires focused on the effects of
drying bananas. For example, allowing bananas to dry
naturally in the open air is not suitable, so an air
sprayer is recommended. Questions also addressed the
removal of unnecessary plant parts and labor-intensive
processes.
The fourth questionnaires focused on the effects of
these banana packing processes: the preferred vacuum
system; the importance of accurate weight measuring,
quality control and tracking numbers. The last
questionnaires focused on the effects of banana
storage. It is important to get the temperature right.
Containers must be clean and export cards must be
filled out accurately.
Results
The results are identified below:
1. Cutting Process
Table 1: Banana Cutting Effects
Variables
mean
S.D
1 Bananas are damaged
2.58
1.06
2 Bacterial infections
2.55
0.75
3 Weight loss
2.71
0.98
4 Ripening stimulation
2.97
0.84
Average
2.70
0.90
*Number of respondents=14
Table 1 shows that the average mean effect of banana cutting is 2.70 and the S.D is 0.90. The mean of damaged
bananas is 2.58 and S.D is 1.06. The mean of bacterial infections is 2.55 and S.D is 0.75. The mean of weight loss is
2.71and S.D is 0.98, and the mean of ripening stimulation is 2.97 and S.D is 0.84.
Bacteria can easily infect bananas, particularly when storage conditions and methods are not good. Crop
contamination risk depends on many factors such as crop contact with soil. Injured plant parts are also more
susceptible to bacterial infection ( Bezanson et al. 2014).

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Moisture loss directly affects quality and limits a product‟s marketability. For example, cracked chili pepper skins are
susceptible to moisture loss, which affects their quality. Ideal storage practices, such as setting the right storage
temperature can have a significant impact on quality improvement (Jansasithorn et al. 2014).
Bananas respond directly to physical damage resulting from mechanical practices. Mechanical practices are
responsible for a banana‟s color, flavor, ripening speed and weight loss. Ideal banana processing therefore must
consider best practices for any of the machines used, in order to improve quality (Maia et al. 2011).
Bananas are tropical fruit, so they are sensitive to cold. One study looked at different temperatures over different
periods of time. It found that when bananas were kept at 4 C for 1,3 and 5 days first, keep at 20 C later, the result
show that the peel turned brown at different rates. Bananas kept for 3 days showed moderate damage and at 5 days
showed severe damage. Temperature therefore, has a significant effect on banana quality (Trejo-Marquez & Vendrell
2010).
The best cutting method is to cut the banana carefully by knife, which causes no damage and no curl on the cutting
points. After the banana is cut, it can be infected easily by bacteria, so the process after cutting must include
sterilization to prevent infection. The knife that was used needs to be sent to the location where sterilization occurs.
2. Washing Process
Table 2 Banana Washing Effects
Variables
mean
S.D
1 Overflow stream practice
3.04
0.93
2 Unneeded plant parts removal
2.79
0.78
3 Preparing water for washing
2.65
0.91
4 Labor intensive process
2.60
0.93
Average
2.77
0.88
*Number of respondents=14
Table 2 shows that the average mean for effects from banana washing, is 2.77 and S.D is 0.88, the mean of over flow
stream practice is 3.04 and S.D is 0.93, the mean of unneeded plant part removal is 2.79 and S.D is 0.78, the mean of
preparing water for washing is 2.65 and S.D is 0.91, and the mean of labor intensive process is 2.60 and S.D is 0.93.
The washing process uses the overflow stream method, which means bananas are washed in a stream flow in the tank
of water and this water will be changed when there is dirt in the tank. In one study fruit was inoculated with bacteria
and was then treated by just washing it with water. Then it was treated first, by washing with water and then, by
washing with water and adding 200 mg/liter of hypochlorite. The results showed that spraying with a chlorine solution
in different concentrations reduced the population of either pathogens, or E.coli, respectively. The water-washing
practice did not remove as many pathogens as the combined hypochlorite and water method. This shows that the fruit
production process must include a sanitization process at washing and packing facilities (Alvarado-Casillsa et al.
2007).
Harvesting orchard crops is very different from modern manufacturing production processes.Managers decide how
much fruit will be produced, and when it will be produced. American fruit and vegetable farmers have become
increasingly concerned about production costs and labor shortages. Most crops are harvested late, due to a lack of
labor, which leads to high production costs and less profit (Calvin & Martin 2010).
Washing methods begin with removing the hull, dirty sap and insects, The sap is washed off after cutting and
thisprocess is repeated at least one more time. The water is mixed with soap, and bananas are washed by hand to
prevent damage.
3 Drying Process
Table 3 Banana drying effect
Variables
mean
S.D
1 Air-drying method is not suitable
2.97
0.94
2 Air sprayer is recommended
2.95
0.78
3 Unneeded plant parts removed
2.79
0.92
4 Labor intensive process
2.64
0.75
Average
2.83
0.84

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*Number of respondents=14
Table 3 shows that the average mean effect of banana drying is 2.83 and S.D is 0.84, and that the air-drying method is
not suitable, at 2.97 and S.D is 0.94. The air sprayer is recommended because the mean is 2.95 and S.D is 0.78. The
mean of unneeded plant parts removed is 2.79and S.D is 0.92, and the mean of the labor intensive process is 2.64, and
S.D is 0.75.
The air-drying method is not recommended because it will affect the color of the banana skins and freshness. The air
sprayer is recommended because air pressure can remove bacteria and dirt particles. Sometimes bananas are not fully
clean during the washing process, which allows bacteria and some dirt particles to remain.
Strong air pressure also removes water, small insects and sap. The drying process is similar to other processes that are
labor-intensive, since it must be applied by hand.
4 Packing Process
Table 4 Effects of Banana Packing Process
Variables
mean
S.D
1 Vacuum system is preferable
2.95
0.83
2 Weight measuring accuracy needed
2.86
0.79
3 Quality control is important
2.85
0.97
4 Accurate recording of track number
2.79
0.77
Average
2.86
0.84
*Number of respondents=14
Table 4 shows that the average mean of the effects of the banana packing process is 2.86 and S.D is 0.84. The mean of
the vacuum system is preferable is 2.95 and S.D is 0.83. The mean of weight measuring accuracy needed, is 2.86 and
S.D is 0.79. The mean of quality control is important, is 2.85and S.D is 0.97. And the mean of accurate recording of
track number is 2.79 and S.D is 0.77.
After bananas are cleaned and dried, then the next step is the packing process. This is a critical process that involves
applying the track number sticker and quality control.
The packing process begins when the dried bananas are received. The fruit is then weighed for data collection.
Alcohol is applied to the cutting points to stop bacteria growth and insects. The trace number stickers are applied to
the banana hand for tracking. This process must be carefully done because applying the sticker carelessly could
damage the banana hand or end up on the wrong side of a banana hand.
A vacuum system was introduced in this packing process to keep bananas fresh for a longer time, and to prevent
damage from insects. This process must be carefully done and evaluated as needed to prevent mold. Mold quickly rots
the banana and threatens the quality of the fruit.
One important part of the packing process is weight measuring, which must comply with standard packing weights.
For example, packaged golden bananas exported to Japan will be rejected if they weigh more than 11.5 kg.
5 Storage Process
Table 5 Effects of Banana Storage
Variables
mean
S.D
1 Right temperature is needed
3.08
0.97
2 Heat releasing is important
3.00
0.84
3 Containers must be clean
2.94
0.96
4 Export cards must be accurate
2.79
0.85
Average
2.95
0.90
*Number of respondents=14
Table 5 shows that the average mean of effects of banana storage is 2.95 and S.D is 0.90, and the mean of right
temperature is needed, is 3.08 and S.D is 0.97. The mean of temperature releasing is important ,is 3.00 and S.D is
0.84, the mean of containers must be clean is 2.94 and S.D is 0.96, and finally, the mean of export cards must be
accurate is 2.79 and S.D is 0.85.

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Bananas risk losing their quality during shipping if the temperature is not right. Temperature management involves air
streams and heat that can trigger ripening processes (Jedermann et. al 2013).
The storage process requires temperatures of about 12-14 C. Bananas are stored in containers for 18 hours for
temperature adjustment. Heat needs to be released otherwise the bananas will ripen too rapidly. Other banana quality
problems occur during shipping when refrigerated containers do not work properly, caused by insufficient cooling
conditions (Jedermann et. al 2014).
Export cards from importers are applied to banana boxes so they can be identified by the importers. It is a very
important process since it will prevent mistakes at ports, such as the importer receiving the wrong bananas.
Conclusions and Suggestions
There are several components to best practices in banana production processes, and each one has its own
characteristics. Banana exports must comply with standard guidelines. For example, the cutting process requires knife
sterilization to reduce the risk of bacteria.
The processes required between receiving the harvested bananas and storing them must be carefully followed, as each
step involves a critical process to keep quality high, and reduce the risk of bacteria or mold growth.
The best processing practices will delay ripening and create high-quality bananas that are delicious and do not ripen
too quickly.
Facility improvement programs are going to be important since some banana producers‟ facilities do not meet the
standards. Facility improvement will directly benefit exporters by increasing their market share, since their banana
exports would be of good quality.
Thailand‟s banana exporters need to create production improvement programs that will help exporters sustain a
competitive advantage in the banana export market.
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