entered into a pineapple venture with one of the largest pineapple growers in Costa Rica. While the grower has previously only provided product of the highest standard to Europe, these pineapples are now available in the U.S. under the Ayco brand. “Our pineapple program is based on year-round supply, contracts and promotional volume for retailers and the foodservice industry,” reports Avi Nir, Ayco CEO. “Additionally, our pineapples have a guaranteed brix of no less than 13 percent. Ayco stands behind this quality commitment.” Ayco foresees increasing potential with pineapples, as health attributes of the product become increasingly known. “Reports show multiple benefits of pineapples and this is a great marketing opportunity for retail,” says Nir. “Studies indicate pineapples aid digestive problems, boost the immune system, stave off vision loss, and contain beneficial fibre and Vitamin C. Our new pineapple program 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 organization. “Ayco’s new pineapple program is a result of our logistics advantages,” explains Nir. “Presently, Ayco transports the entire pineapple supply to our distribution centre in Florida but we have the ability to set up programs to other locations.”
Ayco’s pineapples out of Costa Rica meet the highest standards including traceability and Rainforest Alliance. “Our assurance to our customers is to provide the sweetest, highest quality pineapples,” says Nir. “We encourage retailers to ask for a sampling. Our pineapples are superior product - not something seen every day on retail shelves.”
