Food and Beverage
Chiquita Completes “Yelloway” Banana Pan-Genome, Aiming to Speed Up Disease-Resistant, Climate-Ready Bananas
Chiquita says it has reached a major scientific milestone in banana innovation: the completion of the Yelloway banana pan-genome—an advanced genetic “map” designed to help researchers and breeders develop banana varieties that can better withstand disease and adapt to climate pressures.
Announced Feb. 10, 2026, the breakthrough is positioned as a foundational tool for the global banana industry at a moment when two major threats—Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4) and Black Sigatoka—continue to strain growers and supply chains worldwide.
What the “banana pan-genome” actually means
In simple terms, a pan-genome goes beyond a single reference genome. Instead of looking at one “standard” genetic blueprint, it captures a broader range of naturally occurring genetic variation across bananas. Chiquita says this wider view allows for more precise research, supports biodiversity preservation, and strengthens long-term breeding programs.
The pan-genome focuses on Musa acuminata, the species behind widely known banana varieties such as Gros Michel and Cavendish—names that matter because they represent the kinds of bananas consumers recognize and buy every day.
Yelloway: the partnership behind the research
The pan-genome was developed through Yelloway B.V., an innovation joint venture between Chiquita and agricultural technology company KeyGene. According to the announcement, Yelloway was created to unlock banana genetic diversity and advance classical breeding using advanced genomic tools.
Chiquita said the pan-genome was developed using Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology, and that the effort included collaboration across the banana value chain. One notable partner: Innocent Drinks, which provided match funding through its Farmer Innovation Fund.
Why this matters now: TR4 and Black Sigatoka
The timing is not accidental. TR4—often described as one of the most serious disease threats to bananas—continues to spread globally. Meanwhile, Black Sigatoka is driving more than $100 million in annual protective costs, according to the release.
Chiquita’s message is clear: if breeders can identify resilient genetic traits faster and with more accuracy, the industry can move from broad genetic exploration to targeted breeding decisions—potentially accelerating the development of bananas that are more disease-resistant, more climate-resilient, and still aligned with what consumers expect from the fruit aisle.
Researchers compare it to upgrading from highways to GPS
Professor Gert Kema, a Yelloway board member and emeritus professor of phytopathology at Wageningen University, described the pan-genome as a high-resolution guide to banana genetics.
He compared earlier genetic tools to driving “mainly on highways,” enough to reach major destinations—but not enough to navigate the full landscape. The pan-genome, he said, provides the “GPS coordinates” needed to explore the entire genomic terrain in detail.
Fernando Garcia-Bastidas, Head of the Yelloway Banana Breeding Program, emphasized the practical impact: the pan-genome helps researchers analyze, select, and deploy the most relevant genetic material—speeding up the development of improved banana varieties resistant to major threats like TR4 and Black Sigatoka.
Chiquita Sustainability Director Peter Stedman added that the work is meant to extend beyond one company, pointing to collaboration across the supply chain as a key driver of progress.
Spotlight at Fruit Logistica in Berlin
Chiquita also shared insights from the project at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, where Stedman participated in the event’s Sustainability Panel. The company highlighted science-based innovation and cross-industry collaboration as essential for building a more resilient banana supply chain.
Opening access to researchers
In a move aimed at broader industry impact, Yelloway plans to provide academic researchers access to the banana pan-genome through a dedicated web portal—supporting continued collaboration and advancement in banana research and breeding.
What to Watch For
- Research access: When Yelloway’s web portal goes live and how widely academic teams use the pan-genome.
- Breeding timeline: Early signals on how quickly the tool translates into new varieties with stronger resistance to TR4 and Black Sigatoka.
- Field performance: Whether future banana candidates hold up in real-world growing conditions while maintaining taste, texture, and shelf-life.
- Supply chain collaboration: More cross-industry funding and partnerships (like Innocent Drinks’ Farmer Innovation Fund support) that speed adoption.
- Cost impact: Any reduction over time in the high annual protective costs tied to Black Sigatoka management.
About Chiquita
Chiquita is a global produce company operating across nearly 70 countries and has produced bananas for more than 150 years. The company says its sustainability work is guided by its “Behind the Blue Sticker” initiative, and it recently received recognition including being named one of America’s Most Loved Brands by Newsweek and a 2025 Good Housekeeping Snack Award winner.
For the banana industry—and for consumers who rely on the Cavendish as a grocery-store staple—the completion of the Yelloway banana pan-genome signals a push toward a more resilient future, where science and collaboration could help keep bananas on shelves despite escalating disease and climate challenges.
Source: Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (PRNewswire), Feb. 10, 2026
If you want, I can also format this for STM Daily News with: 5 SEO headline options, a meta description, suggested tags, and a short “What to Watch For” box for the end of the post.
Related Links (Further Information)
- PRNewswire (Press Release Distribution) – The distribution platform where Chiquita’s announcement was published.
- Chiquita Brands International – Company background, sustainability initiatives, and brand updates.
- KeyGene – The plant breeding and genomics partner in the Yelloway innovation joint venture.
- Oxford Nanopore Technologies – Information on the sequencing technology referenced in the announcement.
- Fruit Logistica (Berlin) – Event details and sustainability programming referenced in the release.
Stay Updated with STM Daily News
For more Food & Beverage coverage—industry innovation, supply chain updates, and the stories shaping what ends up on our plates—visit STM Daily News – Food & Beverage . We’re tracking the headlines and the “what it means” so you can stay current without the fluff.
Food and Beverage
Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals for Busy Days
Restaurant-Worthy Meals: When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes like this Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet or Egg Roll in a Bowl.

(Feature Impact) When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. If you’re juggling work, chores, errands, hobbies, studies, a social life, caretaking or the other million-and-one things keeping your schedule full right now, the idea of spending an hour putting together a home-cooked meal might sound exhausting or downright impossible.
In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don’t skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups – like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait – you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won’t even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.
If you’re craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household’s tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu.
To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.
For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com.
Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet
Prep time: 1 minute
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1-2
- 1 Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- In same skillet, add rice, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return shrimp and stir to combine.
- Garnish with parsley. Squeeze lemon wedge over top, if desired, and serve.
Substitution: Use sauteed mushrooms or crispy tofu to make vegetarian.
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup
- 1/2 pound ground turkey or pork
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup fried wonton strips
- 2 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes.
- Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve.
Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice.
![]()
SOURCE:
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
Food and Beverage
Supercharge Summer Grilling with Tender Pork Chops

(Feature Impact) If you’re planning on firing up the grill for an upcoming summer gathering, you might be trying to brainstorm options beyond the traditional burgers and dogs. Luckily, there are recipes that let you keep things interesting without becoming too complicated.
These Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops might just make you the favorite grill master in the neighborhood. Salt, sugar and aromatic ingredients like juniper berries and bay leaves give the meat a rich, complex flavor, and the combination of brining and grilling helps you achieve a tender but juicy finished product.
Since the recipe features Coleman Boneless Pork Chops, which deliver exceptional flavor from pork raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones, it’s easy to elevate your cookout with high-quality protein that you can feel good about serving to family and friends. Make it an extra memorable occasion with family-favorite sides like grilled asparagus, a light summer salad, diced potatoes and dinner rolls then round out your flavor-infused evening with an all-American tradition such as apple pie.
If your grilling plans get rain-checked, you can easily sear the pork chops in a skillet or bake them in the oven to take the party indoors.
Find more summer recipe ideas by visiting ColemanNatural.com.
Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops
Prep time: 7 hours
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 quart water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 12 juniper berries
- 6 cups ice
- 4 Coleman Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops (1 1/2 inches thick)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- In large pot, heat water, brown sugar, kosher salt, bay leaf and juniper berries over high heat until sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Remove from stove and add ice. Liquid should be cool to touch.
- Add pork chops to liquid, cover and refrigerate 4-6 hours, or overnight.
- Approximately 10-15 minutes before grilling, heat grill to medium heat, remove chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Season with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt.
- Grill until desired doneness, or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 F for medium finish. Garnish with scallions. Serve with side dishes of choice
SOURCE:
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
Food and Beverage
Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert
Last Updated on July 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert
(Feature Impact) Although many people associate rice with savory dishes, this staple grain can actually level up your dessert game too. Cultures from around the world have invented a variety of creative ways to turn the sticky rice in your pantry into treats you can whip up when you’re on the prowl for something sweet.
Sticky rice, also known as sweet rice, is a specific type of short- or medium-grain rice that, as the name implies, becomes sticky when cooked. With Success Boil-in-Bag Sticky Rice, it’s simple to make sweet, soft, perfectly cooked rice for desserts without extra steps, equipment or hassle. In only 12 minutes, you’ll have an ideal base to use for your favorite recipes.
A rice-based take on a quintessential British dessert, this Sticky Toffee Pudding is decadent and full of mouthwatering flavor. With the rich sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla imbued in every bite, it’s a warm, comforting dessert you might find yourself craving on a rainy day or cold night. Take it to the next level by adding caramelized banana and toasted coconut toppings.
For a more refreshing, summery option, transport your kitchen to the tropics with this Thai-inspired Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut. Creamy coconut-infused rice contrasts with juicy ripe mango slices, nutty black sesame seeds and cooling mint-leaf garnishes for a fun, fresh blend of textures and flavors that might have you picturing palm trees. If you’re not a mango fan, feel free to swap in a different tropical fruit of your choice.
The versatility of rice makes it an excellent mainstay to keep on hand in your kitchen, adding ease and flexibility to your daily meal routine. For more ideas on how to use rice for dessert – or for breakfast, lunch and dinner – visit SuccessRice.com.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-4
- 1 bag Success Sticky Rice
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3/8 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- toasted coconut, for garnish
Caramelized Banana:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 banana, sliced into coins
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare rice according to package directions.
- Remove rice from bag. Return to pot and stir in milk, brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer 5 minutes.
- In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar 2 minutes, or until dissolved. Whisk in cream and bring to simmer. Cook 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and remaining salt.
- To make caramelized banana: In medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until syrupy. Add banana coins in single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drizzle vanilla on top.
- Add rice to bowl. Pour toffee sauce on top. Garnish with caramelized bananas and coconut. Serve warm or chilled.

Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 2-4
- 1 bag Success Sticky Rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/4 cups coconut milk, divided
- 3 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
- 2 mangoes, sliced
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- Prepare rice according to package directions using 1 1/2 cups water, 1 cup coconut milk and 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar rather than 4 cups water.
- In separate small saucepan over medium heat, bring remaining coconut milk and brown sugar to boil. Cook, stirring often, 8-10 minutes, or until thickened and syrupy.
- Divide rice among four serving bowls. Arrange mango slices over top; drizzle with coconut milk syrup. Garnish with black sesame seeds and mint.
Substitution: Use pineapple, guava or papaya for mango, if desired.
![]()
SOURCE:
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
