New research shows more than 8 in 10 consumers (81%) admit that they don’t know the correct way to store pineapples, according to research from tropical fresh fruit producer Fyffes.
The survey coincides with the launch of Fyffes new crownless pineapples to Europe, according to a news release. Fyffes assessed the consumption habits, awareness and knowledge surrounding pineapples among over 1,000 United Kingdom and Ireland consumers to reveal that only 19% know that the best way to store a pineapple is to chop it up and put it in the fridge.
In contrast, almost a third of consumers polled (31%) leave a pineapple to "ripen" in a fruit bowl — a common misconception as Fyffes pineapples are always ready to eat, the release said.
Fyffes said the launch of its crownless pineapples to the European market presents sustainability benefits for retailers and consumers.
For retailers, crownless pineapples present the opportunity for reducing carbon emissions significantly, as more than 30% more crownless pineapples can be transported as they take up significantly less space, the company said. The removed crowns are replanted in the pineapple fields or shredded and given to local farmers to be used for animal feed.
For consumers, crownless pineapples minimize organic waste and reduce time and effort involved in preparation, the release said.
While many consumers may primarily associate Fyffes with bananas, the company says it is also a major global supplier of pineapples, melons, and other exotic fruits. The results indicate a lack of awareness about pineapples in general, with 39% of respondents unaware of the health benefits, the release said. The health benefits of pineapples include being high in vitamin C, manganese, fiber and its potential to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.
The survey also points to an increase in the sustainability-conscious consumer, with 43% respondents considering it important that the pineapples they purchase are sustainably and ethically sourced, according to the release. Sixty four percent of respondents said that they would be willing to pay more for sustainably and ethically produced pineapples. One-third (33%) would be willing to pay 5% more, and 22% are willing to pay 10% more.
“We’re pleased to see retailer uptake of crownless pineapples here in the UK,” John Hopkins, managing director at Fyffes UK, said in the release. “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 the space saving in the shopping basket and storage at home. We hope to see pineapples become a staple in households across Europe and beyond.”
“We are pleased and encouraged to see the growing demand and importance of sustainability among consumers, with 64% willing to pay more for ethically sourced produce,” Ciarán Sweeney, managing director at Fyffes Ireland, said in the release. “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.”
Further findings from the research include:
- Over half (54%) of respondents have increased their fruit consumption in the last six months.
- Freshness (32%), price (17%) and ripeness (17%) are the most important factors for consumers when purchasing pineapples.
- 79% of consumers are satisfied with the quality of pineapples available in their local shops.