Tropical fruit exporter BanaBay continues to expand its portfolio after securing a new deal to supply bananas to a Libyan-based fruit importer.

BanaBay managing director Mark O'Sullivan.

BanaBay managing director Mark O'Sullivan says forging the Middle East deal and beginning the new contract with Al Fakhira Co. Ltd represents an important step forward in the marketplace, and is the latest signal of major growth for the company.

"We have had a lot of interest in BanaBay fruit from several countries in the region, where there is high demand for premium quality fresh produce," he has said in a release.

"Our new contract with Al Fakhira will open up opportunities in Libya and also in other areas where they operate, such as Tunisia.

"We are already shipping six containers a week to Libya and anticipate increased volumes as we consolidate our relationship and establish our products in this new marketplace."

BanaBay is based in the U.K. with growing operations in Ecuador.

Spokesperson for the Tipoli-based company Mohamed Byok says he is delighted to be adding BanaBay bananas to the product range.

Last month Banabay expanded its U.K. operations by introducing organic Cavendish bananas from Ecuador into Great Britain, and in April it introduced pineapples to its tropical fruit portfolio.

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