WHAT ARE PINEAPPLES?
Pineapples (aka pina, abacaxi, ananas) are a symbolic part of Hawaiian culture, however, it might surprise you to know that they are not native to the islands. Pineapples, or Ananas comusus, are tropical plants with edible fruits that belong to the Bromeliaceae family. It is one of the most economically significant plant of its kind. Pineapples, like the name suggests, are neither pine nor apples. Pineapples comprise of many berries grown and fused together commonly referred to as a ‘collective fruit’. This fruit comes in over twenty varieties, each with its defining set of attributes. For example, taste, size, acidity, shape, fibre content, colour, and resistance to diseases. The four main type of pineapples are Smooth Cayenne, Red Spanish, Queen, and Abacaxi. However, not all pineapples fit within these categories.
WHERE DO PINEAPPLES COME FROM?
The origin of pineapples can be traced all the way to South America. It is said that the pineapple hails from the Paraná-Paraguay River which is found in the southern parts of Brazil and Paraguay. From there, the pineapple spread to places in the West Indies and up the continent to places like Guadeloupe and Mexico. From there, traders took the pineapple plant all around the world.
WHO ARE THE BIGGEST EXPORTERS OF PINEAPPLES IN THE WORLD?
According to the Observatory Economic Complexity (OEC) for 2019, data reveals that Pineapples grossed $2.32B, ranking in as the 1183rd most traded product in the world. The top exporters of pineapples (be it fresh or dried) in 2019 was Costa Rica, who grossed $1.1B dollars. The next largest exporter was the Netherlands, who grossed $166M, Belgium, who grossed $73.4M, and Taiwan, who grossed $65.6M. The pineapple industry is growing. Indeed – between the years 2018 and 2019, the pineapple exports saw a 1.72% increase. In 2020, the United States joined the top ranking countries when it comes to pineapple exports, grossing, $84.5 M. Fun fact; Costa Rica not only was the top exporter in 2020 but also the top producer of pineapples, producing 3.33M metric tonnes of pineapples.
WHO ARE THE BIGGEST IMPORTERS OF PINEAPPLES IN THE WORLD?
In 2019, the United States was the top market for pineapples, grossing $615M in total imports. China and Netherlands came in 2nd and 3rd at $216M and $168M respectively. Japan ranked in fourth, attaining imports valued at $122M and Spain ranked 5th at $119M. In 2020 however, the United States ranked in first again with an estimated imports of pineapple valued at $717.0M. The next four countries were the Netherlands at $190.1M, China with imports valued at $172.4M, Japan at $126.0M and finally Spain at $122.4M dollars of imports.
WHAT IS THE GLOBAL MARKET FOR PINEAPPLES?
Between the years 2011 and 2018, the total value of exported fresh pineapple has increased by 11%, whereas exported canned pineapple has observed a decrease within this same period. Asia is undoubtedly the biggest growth market with respect to production and consumption over the last decade. In Asia, the export of fresh pineapple has increased by 58.2% due to a rising demand for fresh fruits and better, more healthier, lifestyle. On the opposing end, exports of canned pineapples have seen a 4.5% decline. This can be attributed to the consumer preferences over the last decade.
HOW DO YOU GROW PINEAPPLES?
First, you should chose a healthy-looking pineapple from your local grocery store, farmers market, or fruit stand. The pineapple should still have green leaves attached to the top, should not be excessively dry, or have any hint of mould. Perform a quick test and see if the leaves in the centre pull out easily. If they come out without too much resistance, select another pineapple that passes this test. Whenever possible, avoid using overripe pineapples.
Now grab yourself a sharp knife and slice off the crown of the pineapple. If you are unsure as to what this is, this is the top part of the pineapple where the leaves come out. After executing this task, rid the top of any fruit flesh that will rot later. Proceed to make very thin slices in the stalk until you come across the ‘root primordia’ which is basically the unformed roots you are about to grow.
Pull off the outer lower leaves to reveal the stem. Repeat this till you see that at least ½ or 1 inch of the bare stalk (stem tissue) is exposed. Allow to dry for a couple of days as these fruits are susceptible to rot. Then place the shoot in 1/2 inches of water. Make sure you change the water periodically to prevent the plant from rotting. The root should form within weeks. Once the root is formed, you can transplant your plant to a more suitable location that has well-drained soil. Contrary to its nurturing stage, when matured, the plant requires bright light and full sun for most of the day.
WHAT ARE THE BEST GROWING CONDITIONS FOR PINEAPPLES?
A bit of shade does not hurt as long as there is plenty of light. Water only when needed as overwatering is bound to kill your plant. Never let the soil get waterlogged and neither should it get bone-dry. Maintain the balance. About once a month, feed your plant with a balanced organic fertilizer. Pineapples can sometimes prove stubborn to bloom. If this should be the case, you can help it to bloom by exposing the plant to ethylene gas. This is done by enclosing the plant in a plastic with a few overripe apples for a few weeks. The decomposition of the apples stimulates flowering as they release ethylene.
WHAT DO YOU HARVEST PINEAPPLES?
Pineapples do most of their growing during warm seasons and once you plant begins to flowers, it usually takes a couple of months before you start to see fruits. The general growth span of a pineapple usually two to three years. It can fruit once or twice more before eventually wearing out. Just like some plants though, carefully observe for little shoots to the side after harvesting fruits. These baby shoots should be left to mature a bit before taking them out and replanting in their own areas for more pineapples!
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH PINEAPPLES?
Pineapples are relatively easy to incorporate into your diet, be it for breakfast, cut up in a salad, incorporated into a lunch or dinner, used in dessert or even as a quick healthy snack. Not only are pineapples rich in a number of nutrients but also contain a bunch of healthy antioxidants too. These prevent chronic inflammation, boosts the immune system, and help prevent many harmful diseases. Pineapples are especially rich in antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids.
According to Healthline, these antioxidants help combat and reduce the risk of many chronic ailments including diabetes, heart related issues, and some types of cancer. Have you ever wondered why your mouth burns or tingles when eating pineapple? That’s because, pineapples contain a group of digestive enzymes called bromelain, which essentially breaks down proteins. So when you eat pineapples, be careful, because they can eat you back!
HOW DO YOU GET STARTED IN THIS BUSINESS?
Have we piqued your interest in the pineapple business? Your first step begins with us! Let us in on your process, or lets work one-on-one to identify challenges and opportunities in this exciting industry. You’ll find the pineapple industry is steadily growing, and a good option for those who like ornamental plants that fare well in hot and dry conditions.
