When it comes to bananas, the Philippines is the place to be. The Philippines is known for its bananas. In Japan, this image has become firmly established, but in fact, India is the world's largest banana producer. Banana production in India in fiscal 2009 totaled 27 million tons, nearly three times that of the second-place Philippines, and accounts for nearly 30% of the world's banana production.

Among them, bananas from Gujarat, which have a particularly excellent taste and richness, are highly valued mainly in Europe and the Middle East (especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE), and Gujarat has been recognized as a major production center of premium bananas for export.

The premium banana " Maharaja " cultivated and nurtured in Gujarat, India, is finally coming to Japan! They will be available at Ito-Yokado stores in the Tokyo metropolitan area from October 20.


While bananas grown in India have excellent characteristics, they have a problem of having many flaws on the outer skin and inferior quality in appearance. However, the company has improved the appearance quality problem by educating growers and hiring skilled growers in the Philippines.


The name of the banana is interesting, because it is the first banana produced in India to be sold, and the name is "familiar to consumers" and the wish that the banana will "become the king of bananas".... Yes, indeed, India! The image of "the first" is pushed to the forefront....

Indian bananas are now in full bloom. I thought that the Indian banana was invincible...but how? The day may not be far off when it replaces the Philippine banana.