New research from Fyffes has found that over eight in ten consumers (81%) have admitted that they don’t know the correct way to store pineapples.
The research coincides with the launch of Fyffes’ new ‘crownless pineapple’ in Europe.
The company assessed the consumption habits, awareness and knowledge surrounding pineapples among over 1,000 consumers in the UK and Ireland.
It subsequently found that that only 19% of respondents knew that the best way to store a pineapple is to chop it up and put it in the fridge.
Almost a third (31%) of respondents said that they leave the full pineapple to ‘ripen’ in a fruit bowl – a common misconception, as Fyffes’ pineapples are always ready to eat.
Sustainability
The survey also points to an increase in sustainability-conscious consumers, with 43% of respondents considering it important that the pineapples that they purchase are sustainably and ethically sourced.
Some 64% said that they would be willing to pay more for sustainably and ethically produced pineapples.
Fyffes is committed to responsible production, as illustrated by its greenhouse gas target, which the Science Based Targets initiative has endorsed.
The launch of Fyffes’ crownless pineapples presents further sustainability benefits for retailers and consumers.
For retailers, crownless pineapples present the opportunity for reducing carbon emissions significantly.
Retailers and suppliers can transport 30% more crownless pineapples, as they take up far less space than regular pineapples.
The supplier then replants the removed crowns in the pineapple field or, when shredded, gives them to local farmers to use as animal feed.
Consumers, meanwhile, benefit from a reduction in organic waste when they opt for a crownless pineapple.
‘Growing Demand’
The managing director at Fyffes UK, John Hopkins, said of the new fruit, “The crownless pineapples mean we can help retailers meet their greenhouse gas reduction targets and reduce compostable waste.
“An unexpected benefit is the reaction from consumers, who value space-saving in the shopping basket and storage at home.
“We hope to see pineapples become a staple in households across Europe and beyond.”
Ciarán Sweeney, the managing director of Fyffes Ireland, added, “We are pleased and encouraged to see the growing demand and the importance of sustainability among consumers, with 64% willing to pay more for ethically sourced produce.
“At Fyffes, we have been delivering on our sustainability targets since we set our baseline in 2020, and we are keen to support retailers to meet this growing demand while reducing waste and carbon emissions through innovations like the launch of our new crownless pineapple.”
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