Pineapple Exporters Face Stiff Competition

Ghana's pineapple market in the European Union (EU), estimated to be 11%, may shrink drastically if serious measures are not taken to introduce a new breed, especially the Del Monte Honey Gold pineapple also known as MD2.

According to the General Manager of Sea-freight Pineapple Exporters of Ghana (SPEG), Mr. Steven Mintah, for the next two years, it would be really tough for pineapple exporters if MD2 which is preferred is not introduced into the country.

The general manager warned, "Ghana's market may be taken over by companies from Latin America". "It looks gloomy", he added.

But in sharp contrast, Prof Sefa Dedeh, the programme Director of GHPPP in a summary report on research conducted into consumers' perception on fresh pineapples from Ghana, said we should not forget about smooth cayenne because some countries in the EU prefered smooth cayenne to MD2.

Mr. Mintah was briefing the participants of a roundtable conference from the Horticultural Industry on Ghana's participation in the "Fruit Logistica" held in Berlin in Accra under a Ghana Private Public Partnership Food Industry development programme.

As it is now, few companies have more than 50% of MD2s.

MD2 is a new variety of pineapple that has been developed after five years of extensive research and product testing.

It has a smooth, distinctive bright yellow exterior, a refreshing, slightly sweet flavour and an intense aroma. It also offers long shelf life at room temperature.

The official introduction of this variety began in 1996 but it was not introduced into the country early. It originated from Costa Rica and gained a market share of about 10% against 90% of smooth cayenne just after it was introduced.

The country had been planting mainly smooth cayenne since time immemorial. Smooth cayenne is a local breed of pineapple, which exporters have been exporting to the Western world.

He appealed to their partners to help introduce the md2 to all members and urged participants to heed the advice of experts in the MD2 and start implementing its introduction. As well, he asked investors in the industry to direct their investment into MD2.

He suggested also that other pineapple breeds should be promoted in the west to create a new market for them and to plan towards how to upgrade smaller pineapple exporters to enter into supermarkets in Europe.

Mr. Kwesi Korboe, a participant, said Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana atomic energy should build a tissue culture laboratory to help in the production of MD2.

He said the association was putting its act together to disburse the $2 million which the budget had provided for them and appealed to government for more support.