Plantations begin
switch to hybrids
While the pineapple world is abuzz over who has ownership rights to the "perfect pineapple," local growers say Hawaii is well positioned to hold its own. Competition is growing from Costa Rica and other Central America areas where the new variety is being planted.
Maui Land & Pineapple, which would not comment on lawsuits over the hybrid or their settlement, is in the process of converting 6,000 acres now under cultivation to new hybrid varieties; including its version of the sought-after "Hawaiian Gold."
"We are slowly converting all our acreage. We're no longer planting Champaka and solely planting hybrid varieties including the one in question, Hawaiian Gold," said Howard Nager, vice president of fresh sales and marketing for Maui Land & Pineapple.
The whole conversion will take about another two years, Nager said.
Competitor Dole Food Co. also is in the conversion process, said Brian Orlopp, company vice president and general manager.
Dole's version of the hybrid is called "Premium Select," Orlopp said. About 3,100 acres in Hawaii are currently under cultivation.
"We are completely converting to the super sweet hybrid variety," he said. Dole also would not comment on lawsuits over the hybrid or their settlement.
Both Nager and Orlopp say Hawaii's market continues to be solid in the western United States.
"Costa Rican fruit, because of improved quality and consistency and price, has really staked out its market on the East Coast and in the Midwest. But Hawaii pine is still the predominant location and source west of the Rockies," Nager said.
"I think the Hawaiian pineapple will always have that allure," Orlopp said.
Both MLP and Dole grow pineapple in Costa Rica as well as Hawaii.
