General News
1 November, 2026
Banana splits on menu
CELEBRATING all things banana – both serious and fun – is coming to Cairns next year.
The 2027 Australian Banana Industry Congress is set for the Cairns Convention Centre from 12-14 May 2027, bringing together growers, researchers, suppliers, industry leaders and innovators from across the country.
Held biennially, the congress provides a valuable opportunity to connect, share ideas and explore the latest developments shaping Australia’s banana industry.
More than 450 delegates representing 160 growers from 75 plantations will experience the newly-expanded Cairns Convention Centre, offering enhanced event spaces, fresh networking opportunities and a new setting for Australia’s premier banana industry event.
The congress is chaired by Jenny Crema, a Tully banana and canegrower.
“I’m in it up to my eyeballs, as they say,” she said.
“I love this industry and the people who make it tick – and I’m passionate about creating events and opportunities that have real impact.
“As the banana growing heartland of Australia, Far North Queensland emerged as the preferred destination following our 2025 event on the Gold Coast.
“Based on surveys following our last few events, we’ve moved to May in 2027, hopefully hitting the right spot between those busy on-farm periods and other events.
“We grow every banana sold in Australia right now and we do it well.
“That’s worth celebrating. From the farm, to the lab and right through the supply chain, we’ve worked hard to earn our reputation as world-leaders.
“With the threat of imports looming, and ongoing challenges ranging from red tape to crop protection, it’s important to unite to protect what we have and find ways to move forward.”
Ms Crema said the congress would start with the popular banana scientific symposium on 12 May.
“This will be followed by two days of speakers and panels – but expect a twist or two along the way,” she said.
“We’re excited to refresh our tradeshow offering to make it more engaging, including a new social event on Thursday night.”
Ms Crema said the ‘banana bar’ and banana women’s lunch would be back, “but we’re building on their previous formats”.
“And of course, our banana ball will wrap things up in style on Friday night. Think practical, entertaining and a little bit different.”
The program:
Wednesday 12 May
Arrivals and registration
Science symposium
Banana bar
Thursday 13 May
Grower breakfast
Opening ceremony
Plenary sessions
Lunch and networking exhibition
Banana women’s lunch
Trade evening
Friday 14 May
Morning plenary sessions
Lunch and networking exhibition
Afternoon plenary sessions
Banana industry ball.
Read More: Cairns