The vibrant red “Rubyglow” pineapple is set to boost Costa Rica’s agricultural exports with its stunning colors and ultra-sweet taste. Developed by fruit giant Fresh Del Monte, the unique Rubyglow pineapple is the latest in a series of flashy pineapple innovations, including Pinkglow and Honeyglow.
With its striking red skin and golden inner flesh, Rubyglow’s most important feature is its distinctive flavor, comparable to Fresh Del Monte’s other popular pineapple varieties. Scientists at Fresh Del Monte created Rubyglow by cross-pollinating a traditional pineapple with a typically inedible purple pineapple, using conventional breeding methods. The fruit is grown exclusively near Fresh Del Monte’s facilities in Buenos Aires, Puntarenas.
The company sees the rare specialty pineapple as a springboard for entering China’s massive fruit markets during Chinese New Year when demand for exotic gift fruits peaks. An exclusive waiting list for other global consumers also aims to elevate Rubyglow’s status as a sought-after tropical luxury item.
Jorge Pelaez, Fresh Del Monte’s regional VP, said, “Costa Rica’s expertise in cultivating our previous hit pineapple varieties affirms its role as our innovation hub for launching globally desired fruits.” Approximately 5,000 Rubyglow pineapples will reach consumers in 2024 before gradually scaling up.
The debut of Rubyglow showcases the latest developments in diversifying and adding value to Costa Rican agricultural exports beyond traditional commodities. The new pineapple also represents innovations in breeding technology and branding, allowing exceptional native crops to command premium prices abroad.
Fresh Del Monte President Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh said, “Our scientists continually push boundaries to meet the demand for new tropical flavors and colors. Rubyglow is ideally suited for our expansion into the Chinese market while further elevating Costa Rica as a leader in fruit quality.”
With its eye-catching appearance and unmatched taste, Rubyglow highlights the opportunities in specialized agriculture for Costa Rica.
Key Takeaways From Article
1. Costa Rica’s unique Rubyglow pineapple, with its vibrant red skin and golden inner flesh, is a must-try for fruit lovers. Its distinctive flavor profile makes it comparable to Fresh Del Monte’s existing revered pineapple varieties.
2. Rubyglow is a result of cross-pollination between a traditional pineapple and a typically inedible purple pineapple. This breeding method, along with conventional techniques, has created a pineapple with a perfect balance of heritable traits.
3. Fresh Del Monte sees the Rubyglow pineapple as an opportunity to enter China’s enormous fruit markets during Chinese New Year, when demand for exotic gift fruits is at its peak. It is also aiming to establish Rubyglow as a hot tropical luxury item globally.
4. Costa Rica has become Fresh Del Monte’s innovation hub for launching globally desired fruits, thanks to its expertise in cultivating previous hit pineapple varieties. This showcases the country’s agricultural prowess.
5. The Rubyglow pineapple represents the latest in a series of developments that diversify and add value to Costa Rican agricultural exports. It symbolizes the potential of breeding technology and branding to command surging price premiums for native crops.
6. The aesthetic appeal and unmatched taste of products like Rubyglow highlight the opportunities in specialized agriculture for Costa Rica. It showcases the country’s ability to produce unique and high-quality fruits that capture consumer curiosity and loyalty.