Organic pineapples
Unlike the MD2 variety, which usually requires many chemical compounds, both new varieties can be grown organically - one of the priorities of the company during development, so they are healthier and can fill a market niche that conventional pineapples have no access to. "We have developed a new fruit concept," says the biologist and botanist Pedro Nahoum, of Botanica Pop. "Both varieties have an edible red skin. We wanted to develop different fruits, because in the pineapple industry, practically everyone does the same."
Cesar and David
"The Cesar variety has yellow flesh, but on the outside it is bright red. It is very sweet and easy to grow. It tastes and smells very differently compared to MD2 pineapples," explains the biologist.
His other variety, the David, is completely different at a genetic level, according to Nahoum. It also has red skin, but its flesh is whiter, and also has a taste and smell different to those of the MD2 and the Cesar. "Like many new hybrids, its leaves have no spines and can be transformed into fibres to produce paper or cloth.”
Market niche
The botanist adds that both varieties are the same size as traditional MD2 pineapples, between 1 and 2 kg, depending on several factors, such as water quality and soil, and have similar yields. The necessary climatic conditions for the cultivation of these pineapples are also similar to those required for the MD2 variety, so they would not pose a problem for the producers.
"The only problem is that the market is currently dominated by the MD2 pineapple, and it is impossible to compete with it. However, there are many people looking for innovations and healthy products, and I think these new varieties might fit into those emerging markets," adds Nahoum.
Search for partners
Botanica Pop is funded by FINEP, the innovation agency of the Government of Brazil, and is seeking new partners and investors interested in cultivating these varieties commercially. "Our goal is to produce them worldwide," he concludes.
More information:
Pedro Nahoum
BOTANICA POP LTDA
T: 55 21 99673 5855
E: [email protected]