Ayco Farms has entered into an agreement with one of Costa Rica’s leading pineapple producers to supply retailers and foodservice in the US with Ayco-branded pineapples year-round.
CEO Avi Nir said the pineapples would have a guaranteed brix level of no less than 13 per cent and meet the highest standards including Rainforest Alliance. “Our assurance to our customers is to provide the sweetest, highest quality pineapples,” he said. “We encourage retailers to ask for a sampling. Our pineapples are superior product – not something you see every day on retail shelves.”
Ayco said it sees strong potential in the US pineapple market as the health attributes of the product become increasingly known. “Reports show multiple benefits of pineapples and this is a great marketing opportunity for retail,” Nir said. “Studies indicate pineapples aid digestive problems, boost the immune system, stave off vision loss, and contain beneficial fiber and Vitamin C. Our new pineapple programme allows us to provide consistent value to our customers and give them a remarkable product to promote.”
In 2013, Ayco established a logistics company allowing the company to diversify and add value to the Ayco organisation.
“Our new pineapple programme is a result of our logistics advantages,” explained Nir. “Presently, Ayco transports the entire pineapple supply to our distribution centre in Florida but we have the ability to set up programmes to other locations.”
