July 31, 2010
Volume 1.6
PINING
for the flavour
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is an economically important fruit
in Jamaica. The fruit is utilized extensively in the agro processing
sector as well as the export and fresh food market. In 2009, total
production was 21, 367.6 mt while import and export of processed
pineapple were 1,233.1 mt and 77.5 mt respectively.
Pineapple is cultivated island-wide and is available all year round.
However, the main reaping season is between May to July. In 2009,
84.8% of the island’s production came from the parishes of St. Elizabeth,
St. James, Westmoreland and Portland.
With the high demand for the fruit locally, production of the crop is a
viable investment option. The climatic conditions of Jamaica is favourable
for pineapple cultivation; further adding to the the relative ease with which
it grows.
Varieties Market Demand
The three market preferred varieties of pineapple are In 2009, although total pineapple production was
Cowboy, Ripley and Sugar Loaf. However, in 2009, the 21,367.6 mt, Agro processors imported approximately
MD2 variety of pineapple was introduced into the island. 1,233.1 mt of pineapple juice. In a survey done by the
The MD2 is said to be sweeter and has a higher shelf life Marketing & Credit Division of the Ministry of Agriculture
than the sugar loaf. & Fisheries, it was determined that Agro processors
sourced 100% of their pineapples juices from overseas
because local supply was inconsistent or unavailable.
MD2 Variety Total importation of processed pineapple over the period
Del Monte scientists have recently developed this new in review (2005 to 2009) was approximately 8,016 mt. Of
strain of pineapple variety (MD2) that is sweeter than the total processed pineapple imported during the five-
regular varieties. The MD2 grows to a uniform size, ripen year period, pineapple juice represented 99.8% or 8,000.7
evenly and has a longer shelf life than other varieties. It mt. In 2009, Jamaica imported pineapple concentrate
has high brix (14 and more) and low acidity 0.4 to 0.45 %. from Thailand, Costa Rica, Belize, USA and the Philippines.
Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, Marketing and Credit Division, Hope Gardens, Kingston 6
Tel: 927-1731-50 | Fax: 927-1792 | Email: marketing@[Link], pdlyttle@[Link]
World Demand for Pineapple
Twelve countries absorb 90% of the world demand of fresh
pineapple. The US leads the demand, while France, Japan,
Belgium, Italy, Germany, Canada, Spain, England, Korea,
Netherlands and Singapore share the rest of the supply. The
supply of single strength pineapple juice emanates mainly
from the Philippines and Thailand. Indonesia supplies 70% of
the concentrated juice. However, canned pineapple is the most
important product in pineapple world trade. Its consumption
increases at the end of year due to Christmas salads and a
greater demand by fast food outlets.
Currently the MD2 variety of pineapple is the most preferred on
the international market compared to the Smooth Cayenne; it
controls about 75% of the European market.
Market Potential
Agro processors import approximately 1,603.2 mt of pineapple juice annually.
This annual import quantity could be produced locally, thus further reducing
the countries food import bill.
Farmgate Price International Price
On the week ending July 3, 2010 the The average terminal market price of fresh
farmgate price of pineapple ranged from pineapple in the USA (July 3, 2010) was
$66 to $154 per kg. US$8.5 per kg .
Retail Price Pineapple Export
On the week ending July 3, 2010 the retail Over the period from 2005 to 2008
prices for Cow boy and Sugarloaf pineapple pineapple juice exportation increased
ranged from $148.81 to $439.47/kg and steadily from 20.8 mt to 156.05 mt. In 2009,
$185.25 to $265/kg respectively. pineapple juice export decreased by 50%
moving from 156.05 mt in 2008 to 77.5 mt.
Making Uses & Benefits
P Pineapple is eaten fresh, and served sliced,
R emove the skin
with a sharp knife,
chunked or as juice. It is also a favourite when
processed into marmalades, jam, jellies or Tropical Smoothie
in
cutting thinly from top to candies. Pineapple oil or essence is also
bottom. used as flavouring for confectionery. Meat 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple
eap
R emove the eyes by cutting a
long V-shaped channel diago-
nally down through the centers of
dishes and curries become tastier with
the fruit of the pineapple added.
(cubed)
1 cup ice
3/4 cup of milk
the diamonds. Pineapple contains the protein
ple Rin
1/2 cup orange juice
digesting enzyme mixture called
C ut off the crown. Cut parallel
to the bottom end. You will
be left with a peeled cylinder of
bromelain. This enzyme is natural anti-
inflammatory that encourages healing.
3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime
juice
pineapple. For tuberculosis patients, the juice was
2 pineapple slices for garnish
also found to be effective in dissolving
U se a long, thin knife to cut
down into the center of your
pineapple to remove the core
mucus and aiding recovery. Pineapple
destroys harmful bacteria in the
Combine pineapple, ice, milk, or-
ange juice, sugar and lime juice
stomach and intestines. The fruit is rich in
g
or cut your slices first and in a blender. Puree. Pour mixture
Vitamin C and manganese. Pineapple also
s
then remove the core from into 2 tall glasses.
each slice. strengthens the bones of people as well as
the growth of bones in youths. Garnish with pineapple slices.
