Banana is the common name for a type of fruit and also the herbaceous plants of the genus Musa. Banana is amongst the most versatile and most widely eaten fruits in the world today. Bananas come in a variety of sizes and colors when ripe, including yellow, purple, and red. Bananas can be eaten raw though some varieties are generally cooked first.
Banana fruit is economically one of the most important fruit produced and consumed in the world. In some parts of the world, banana is called plantain. The soft and sweet fruit of this tropical plant is enjoyed by people from around the world. Fully ripe banana pulp contained 33.6% reducing sugars, 53.2% sucrose, 5.52% protein, 0.68% fat, 0.30% fiber, 2.58% starch and 4.09% ash.
Banana has various uses that can be turned into many processed products. In addition to banana exporting, processing banana into different products could mean additional income for banana farmers. Banana powder is a powder made from processed bananas. Banana powder is formed by using banana pulp, which is chopped and then processed with hydraulic shear using a colloid mill, turning it into a paste. The paste is then dried by either spray or drum-drying. Good quality pulp with proper drying produces good quality powder. Spoilage due to microbial and enzyme activity is greatly reduced at the moisture level of 7.0% but caking is easily developed in banana powder during storage if improper packaging materials are used for the purpose due to its high sugar content.
Banana powder is a powder made from processed bananas. It is used as a component for production of milk shakes and baby foods. It is also used in the manufacture of various types of cakes and biscuits. Banana powder has been studied to prevent ulcer formation induced by a variety of drugs, including aspirin, indomethacin, phenyl-butanone, Prednisolone, cyst amine and histamine. Banana powder treatment not only strengthens mucosal resistance against ulcer gens but also promotes healing by inducing cellular proliferation. Banana powder also used as natural super disintegrating agent and natural flavoring agent, the banana powder had more disintegration property when compared to synthetic super disintegrates. Banana powder is used as binder in the animal feeds and used additive.
Banana powder is also a major source of carbohydrate and calories which makes it more ideal component for infant formula. In terms of value, the global banana powder market is expected to reach a market value of US$ 774.4 Mn by the end of 2027, with an anticipated CAGR of 3.9% over the forecast period. The drivers for the growth of the banana powder market include rising demand for anti-diarrheal in pharmaceutical, rise in production of bakery products using banana powder, increase in use of banana powder for baby food, banana powder is an alternative for gluten free products.
India is the 2nd largest producer of fruits in the world. In case of banana, it is the largest producer. The annual world production of fruit is 370 million metric tons. Of which India contributes about 32 million metric tons which accounts for 8% of total fruit production in the world. Thus, due to demand it is best to invest in this project.
Few Indian major players are as under
Aarkay Food Products Ltd.
Canfruit Export India Ltd.
Galla Foods Pvt. Ltd.
Saish Agro Food (India) Pvt. Ltd
Ingredients (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Srini Food Park Pvt. Ltd.
Vinsari Fruitech Ltd.
