Fresh Del Monte denounced to the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) that the pink pineapple variety, registered by the company for its exclusive use, is being marketed by third parties in Costa Rica.
“Unfortunately, unscrupulous people have illegitimately seized this plant variety, exclusive to Fresh Del Monte, in order to profit from a product patented and registered in Costa Rica and other parts of the world,” stated Michael Calderon, the company's legal director for Colombia, Ecuador, Central America, and Brazil.
Two decades ago, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) granted Fresh Del Monte exclusive approval for the research and development of this new pineapple variety after complying with the corresponding protocols, including the registration of intellectual property, production, export permits, and biosecurity measures.
“Anybody who illegitimately uses this variety is disrespecting national and international legislation. In addition to not having our authorization, they require a special permit from the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) for their production,” Calderon stated.
In response to the complaint, the State Phytosanitary Service issued a statement through the MAG Press Office stating that "it is in the process of preliminary investigation and evaluation of the evidence provided by the company that is considered affected. Thus, it's not possible to expand details on this issue at the moment."
Calderon reiterated that the Pinkglow pineapple is an exclusive variety of Fresh del Monte and is produced on a 200-hectare farm located in Buenos Aires, in the canton of the province of Puntarenas.
“Fresh Del Monte will take the necessary actions to protect its pineapple variety before the relevant authorities, in addition to collaborating with the State authorities to identify potential cases of sales of pink pineapple, or, of those who own this variety illegally. The company also asks consumers not to buy this product locally,” Calderon stated.
Source: nacion.com