30 November 2009
Media release
Wrigley’s to meet banana industry today on TV ad conflict
Wrigley’s and the Australian Banana industry will meet today 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 says, “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,” he says.
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because the subject ad has not been withdrawn or modified.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 says, “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 No1
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 says.
Enquiries
David Chenu,
Horticulture Australia Limited
Tel (02) 8295-2381,
Mobile 0419 318 013
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