This week sees the innovative and tasty phenomena from Mission Beach, Feel Good Bananas, take the next steps in a larger domestic market and beyond. In a suitably informal and barefoot press briefing on Mission Beach, founder and frozen banana evangelist Mike McGrath announced an addition to the team in the form of a new business partner, Greg Herridge. Greg brings with him not only a history in logistics and operations in food but also the first in several staged rounds of investment set to propel this popular Queensland business to the next level.
Greg became aware of the business on a visit to Mission Beach and immediately saw the potential for growth. Greg has been aptly given the title of Banana LOAF, with his background in Logistics Operations and Finance, areas that Mike sees as complementary to his own skill set.
Since its inception in 2018 Feel Good bananas has grown from a concept of freezing locally grown bananas rejected for retail sale, and dipping them in what Mike alleges is “the best organic chocolate” money can buy, to become a widely available popular alternative to ice cream.
The investment will underwrite expansion of supply interstate and provide scope to upscale production facilities and eventually enter the export market.
“The timing of Greg joining the business could not be more optimal” says Mike, "we have worked hard to streamline production and are ready for the next phase.”
Mike started the business with his son Bhuvan, now 11, as a demonstrative exercise in the machinations of commerce. Bhu is still described as the original business partner but was quick to point out that he saw Greg’s addition as a positive.
“With Dad and Greg working together I am supremely confident that the business can't fail!”, says the very confident and delightful tween.
Feel Good Bananas is a perfect example of small town FNQ food innovation. This week we will be publishing a full interview with Mike where he shares his fascinating story from Skydive instructor to food entrepreneur, watch this space!
Find out more about Feel Good Bananas here.
