BECKY – BANANA LABEL COLLECTOR

Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Becky, a vibrant collector from Orlando, Florida, who has turned what many see as mundane—banana labels—into an extraordinary and expansive collection.

Becky’s journey into collecting began with a simple observation: a banana label from Honduras alongside another from Guatemala in her fruit bowl.

This sparked a curiosity that has grown into a passion, leading her to amass almost 25,000 unique labels from around the world. Each label in her collection not only represents a different locale but also tells a unique story, from festive promotions to rare, never-used Olympic commemorations.

In our conversation, Becky shares the joys of her hobby, the community she’s found, and the unexpected adventures that collecting banana labels has brought into her life. Join us as we peel back the layers of this unique collection and discover the colourful stories behind each label.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

What do you collect and what inspired you to start collecting something so unique?

I am a 75-year old American female currently living in the Orlando area in Florida. I am married to my husband Bill and we have 5 children “grown and flown.”

I collect banana labels! Yes, those little stickers that you find (and throw away) on your bananas.

Do any of your items have an unusual story behind them or something that makes them unique?

In 1991 I noticed that the bananas that I had just purchased said they were from Honduras…and the banana still in my fruit bowl said they were from Guatemala.

I started noticing the labels, mostly to see what other countries’ bananas that I purchase were from. Then in December, I saw a Chiquita label that said “The Perfect Stocking Stuffer.” I thought that was funny…I was pretty sure that my children would NOT be amused by a banana in their Christmas stockings!

But that label was the first one that I kept with the idea of maybe keeping more. When I had 17 labels, I thought wow, this is a collection! And now I have almost 25,000!

Of course, I would never have been able to collect so many without trading and help from my friends and family.

Do you have a favourite piece in your collection?

My favorite label is a 1960s era Swedish label “Jacko”. It was a Christmas gift from a Swedish friend. It is a picture of a cute little blond boy—and his hair is actually tiny bananas.

It is everything a collector loves: it is old, it is rare, and it is adorable.

I have a set of Chiquita NFL labels that I treasure—all of the teams from the late 1970s. 

I have labels from the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, but no labels from the Summer Olympics in Moscow that same year. The US decided not to participate in those Olympics because of the Soviet-Afghan War.

Chiquita had started to print some labels commemorating those Olympics, but they were never used. However, a few labels escaped from the printers.

I don’t own them, but I hope to add them to my collection someday. I have an interesting label that was placed on bananas in the shops in Belgium. It is in French and translates to “Chiquita Violates Human Rights.” But most of my large collection consists of labels that are used on bananas and plantains all over the world.

How do people usually react when you tell them about the unique items you collect?

When I first tell people that I collect banana labels there is usually a stunned silence, followed by “You mean those blue stickers?”

Yes, and many other different ones. I currently have nearly 25,000 different labels of about 3,600 brands.

But when I show them my wide assortment of labels in my notebooks, they can usually begin to understand why I find them so interesting.

How has being a part of a collecting community helped you? What communities are you part of (Facebook groups, clubs, forums etc.)

I love my banana labels, and I love the people that I have met through my collection.

There are banana label collectors scattered throughout the world. I have met up with other collectors in Costa Rica, California, Germany, and Austria. My best banana friend is Slovenian.

My husband and I went to his wedding in Slovenia a few years ago. He has visited me several times—and we are sure to go banana label collecting when he does.

How has your collection changed or evolved over time, and have your interests shifted the more you learned about it?

When I first started collecting in 1991, I had not even heard of the Internet. At that time, I assumed that I was the only banana label collector in the world. In the mid-90s, my kids searched and found that there were others.

I signed up for a newsletter and not long afterwards received a letter from a guy in Switzerland, asking if I would like to trade labels. And that is the real beginning of my 25,000-label collection.

What are considered common labels in one country might be completely unknown in another country.

How do you care for, preserve, and display your unique items?

When I get a new label, I first photocopy it and my husband adds it to my online site (www.beckymartz.com). Then I use paint thinner to remove the glue.

I carefully scrape off any remaining glue and allow it to dry. Then I use a repositionable glue stick to adhere it to a graph paper. I have my labels sorted alphabetically by the first letter of the name.

I put the pages into a protective plastic cover and put it into one of my 9 large notebooks.

Has collecting brought enjoyment to your life? How?

I love working with my labels. I see them as tiny works of art.

They are advertisements, notices, branding, and price tags but many of them are truly beautiful.

I love the calming activity of sorting them. It is a great way to learn not just about bananas, but geography and politics as well.

What advice would you give someone who is starting out collecting the same items as you?

Anyone of any age can start collecting banana labels (or oranges, or asparagus, or whatever makes your heart go pitty-pat). You can go out to a store (or maybe to your kitchen?) and start your collection with any banana label.

Then go to a different store and see if the bananas there have different labels. Try going to a different part of town—ethnic groceries are sometimes a good source.

Ask your family and friends to save their labels for you. If you travel, be sure to stop at the groceries to check out the labels.

Contact a collector (ME!) Who will help you get started. It is a very inexpensive hobby and besides—you get to eat all of those bananas!

From reading Becky’s story, it’s clear that her passion for collecting banana labels has brought more than just colourful stickers into her life; it’s opened the door to a world of friendships, stories, and passion.

Her collection serves as a vibrant tapestry of global culture, history, and personal milestones, showcasing how even the smallest items can hold significant meaning when viewed through the lens of a collector.

Becky’s story is a testament to the joy and fulfillment that comes from following your curiosity and building connections with others who share similar interests.

For anyone inspired by Becky’s collection, remember her advice: start small, look closely, and enjoy the process.

Every item has a story, and every story is worth collecting.

Thank you, Becky, for sharing your fascinating world with us and for reminding us that sometimes, the most interesting treasures can be found where we least expect them.