Thanks to this process, bananas arrive in optimal conditions to Gran Canarian homes and it is estimated that food waste will be saved at around 10 tons per year.
The chain sells approximately 2 million kilos of Canarian bananas per year and remains the market leader in fruits and vegetables.
The SPAR Gran Canaria group maintains its constant commitment to offering the best quality and freshness of its products. In its fruit and vegetable division, the chain uses a complete controlled ripening process for Canary Island bananas, whose certification has once again been accredited by the independent agro-food certification audit firm Agrocolor.
The certificate, which has been renewed consecutively since 2022, guarantees that the controlled ripening process of Canary Island bananas complies with the parameters so that the fruit reaches all the homes of SPAR customers in Gran Canaria in the best conditions of flavour, quality, freshness and food safety. With this approved process, the chain reduces food waste by 10 tonnes annually, adjusting production to the demand for the product at all times.
SPAR Gran Canaria is the only supermarket chain in the Canary Islands that purchases bananas directly from local farmers and carries out the controlled ripening process internally.
After completing the ripening process, the bananas are stored, transported and distributed in returnable boxes, which guarantees that the fresh product reaches the point of sale while maintaining its high quality. The returnable boxes minimise possible damage to the product, reduce the use of packaging and facilitate optimal ventilation, achieving more efficient and homogeneous ripening. Through this system, SPAR Gran Canaria has shipped nearly 2 million kilos of bananas over the last year.
The ripening process takes place at the SPAR Gran Canaria fruit and vegetable platform, the largest logistics centre in the Canary Islands exclusively for fruit and vegetables. This platform receives more than 100 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables every day, of which more than 58% are received directly from local suppliers. These producers find in SPAR a loyal supplier committed to the 'Kilometer 0' approach, which boosts the local economy by promoting local produce.
About SPAR Gran Canaria
SPAR Gran Canaria is the only supermarket chain with 100% Canarian capital present in the 21 municipalities of the Island. In a total of 195 establishments, SPAR Gran Canaria offers fresh 'KM' products. 0' of the highest quality, which make it a leader in the sale of fresh fruits and vegetables.
