With the support of Sierra Exportadora, the Association of Producers of Exotic Fruit of the Central Forest of Peru (Profutex), located in Mazamari province of Satipo, Junin, increased the volume of its Golden pineapple sales by 33% in 2015. Profutex went from marketing 6,000 tons of pineapple in 2014 to 8,000 tons last year.
Sierra Exportadora gives the association, which is made up of 20 producers and has 60 hectares devoted to this fruit, technical assistance in planting, fertilizing, pest control, and the fruit's harvest and post-harvest fruit.
They also monitor the inputs used to produce the Golden Pineapple, and train the producers in good agricultural practices, so that they can produce a safe product without chemical residues. In 2016 Profutex expects to achieve 10,000 tons.
The Golden pineapple variety has between 14 and 18 degrees Brix (which makes it very sweet), more than other varieties that only have between 9 and 12 degrees Brix. Thus, it is a product with a high demand in the domestic market. Additionally, it has a longer life when being marketed.
Usually, the producers from Profutex sow Ecuadorian seeds; however, this year they used seeds from Costa Rica, which will allow them to produce better shaped pineapples that need less fertilizer. Currently they already have 40,000 plants from these seeds.
Added value
The producers have also chosen to add value to their production, so they market fresh pineapple chunks and slices under the brand La Dulcecita in the Wholesale Market of Lima, as well as in supermarkets. They also market sell pineapple nectar and water in the supermarkets under the Nija brand.