Bananas in a bag

Del Monte is planning to sell single bananas in bags at places like service stations and gyms in the UK.

The price of the fruit has not yet been decided but in America they are on trial at about 62p each.

In the UK a typical loose banana costs from around 15p with Del Monte saying the bag will extend the shelf life of the banana by up to six days.

Environmental groups are criticising the move saying firms should be cutting back on packaging not creating more. The bag is recyclable and Del Monte suggests that their new bananas will improve the taste and allow the fruit to ripen more slowly than if it was left in the open air.