Wrigley's and the Australian Banana industry will meet today (Monday) with a view to resolving their differences regarding Wrigley's television ads that the industry says denigrates the health and nutrition benefits of bananas.

Australian Bananas marketing manager, David Chenu said, "There's a band of extremely concerned banana growers, wholesalers and retailers who want to see this dispute resolved in a positive manner.

"That's because for well over a decade the banana industry has committed significant funds and effort to educating Australians about the wonderful health and nutrition benefits of bananas only to be countered by a chewing gum ad that suggests bananas cause tooth decay.

"Representing the banana industry, I am committed to delivering an outcome at the meeting; it cannot be just a friendly chat with a 'sorry' at the end."

The Australian banana industry's indignation over a Wrigley's television commercial and Wrigley's non-committal response has prompted a boycott of chewing gum by the industry because the subject ad has not been withdrawn or modified.

Chenu said, "If the boot was on the other foot and the fresh food industry attacked confectionery, there would be an outcry. So in this case it's quite simple; we want the nutritional integrity of bananas restored among those who have been subjected to the harmful messages presented nationally by Wrigley's.

"We see the banana playing a critical role in body management, particularly as obesity is uppermost in the minds of governments, the medical profession and educators. To that end, the banana industry is committed to continually reinforce the health benefits of Australia's number one selling fruit.

"Our goal is reasonable. We must ensure there is no confusion over the positive health messages we can communicate about bananas. This is about making sure the consumer is always aware of how nutritious a banana can be in so many areas for every Australian," he said.

Source: Horticulture Australia Ltd