The Norwegian pantry is shrinking again. Following the recent discontinuation of the Sunda and Nøtte spreads, another staple is set to vanish. Production of the banana-based spread Banos will end in the coming days, according to a company communications chief. The product has been a fixture on Norwegian breakfast tables since the 1930s. Its departure marks a quiet end for a niche but beloved item.
The decision stems from worn-out production machinery. Company officials stated that investing in new equipment for a product with low and declining sales is not justifiable. Banos maintained a small but loyal customer base, with nostalgia being a key factor for many who grew up with it. The company used its remaining packaging materials before halting production, citing environmental and consumer considerations.
Sales figures highlight the product's niche status. Only about 85,000 boxes of Banos were sold last year. For comparison, the popular chocolate spread Nugatti sells approximately 6.5 million boxes annually in Norway. Banos production occurred roughly every ten weeks. The process began with bananas being peeled by hand before the mash was blended with other ingredients, heat-treated, and finally packaged in its distinctive box.
This discontinuation is part of a broader trend in the Norwegian food market. Consumer preferences are shifting towards more international flavors and healthier options. Traditional, sugar-heavy spreads face stiff competition. The closure also reflects the harsh economic realities of food manufacturing. Maintaining separate production lines for low-volume heritage products becomes difficult for large conglomerates focused on scale and efficiency.
For many Norwegians, the loss of Banos is cultural. It represents a specific post-war era of domestic food production and simpler breakfast habits. Its handmade production start, with bananas peeled by hand, speaks to a different time in Norwegian industry. The move may prompt discussions about preserving food heritage, but market forces often dictate these outcomes. The company's transparent explanation about outdated machinery provides a clear, if disappointing, rationale. Other classic brands may face similar scrutiny as consumer habits continue to evolve.