SOURCE: Freshplaza
Back in 2022, a high-quality pineapple variety from Ghana was introduced to export markets around the world. “We launched the Sugarloaf variety, a unique pineapple with soft white flesh, unlike the typical yellow-fleshed pineapples most people are familiar with,” explains Kingsley Ansong, President and Founder of Elefante Farms. “The Elefante Sugarloaf stands out for its delicate texture, refreshing juiciness, and exceptionally sweet flavor with very low acidity, making it enjoyable even for those who find traditional pineapples too sharp,” adds Juliane Krug, Vice President of Elefante Farms. According to the company, customer feedback consistently highlights that the Elefante Green Gold® Sugarloaf is admired for its distinctive appearance and cherished for its honey-sweet taste.
Elefante Sweet Gold™ MD2: The premium yellow-flesh variety
Building on the success of the rare Elefante Green Gold sugar loaf pineapple, the company has expanded its portfolio with the Elefante Sweet Gold™- the traditional pineapple variety MD2. Just like the most well-known pineapples, Elefante Sweet Gold is a premium MD2 variety with vibrant yellow flesh. It is distinguished by its high juice content, aromatic profile, and naturally sweet flavor.
“The Elefante Sweet Gold MD2 complements the Sugarloaf variety, giving customers two options suited for different markets, from wholesale and retail to processing,” Krug shared. “By adding Elefante Sweet Gold, we provide our partners with greater variety, reliable quality, excellent flavor, and multiple uses.”
“Because of the virgin, highly nutrient soils our fruits grow on, we are able to produce high quality MD2 without excessive fertilization. Our MD2 has a unique taste without the acidity that you would traditionally find in MD2 pineapples”, Ansong explained.
Year-round supply
Both the Sugarloaf and Sweet Gold varieties are grown in Ghana’s Central region, where fertile soils and tropical climate create ideal conditions for pineapple production. Through staggered planting cycles, year-round availability is ensured. Production peaks between September and March, aligning with high-demand seasons in international markets.
Expanding markets
Since its first shipments, Elefante Farms has established strong market presence in France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the U.S. Recently, exports have expanded to include the UAE, parts of Asia, and additional select markets. “We’re responding to a strong growth in demand from fruit wholesalers, distributors, and processors,” Ansong noted.
To guarantee freshness, the pineapples are shipped by air directly from Accra to their global destinations. In Europe, Brussels serves as the central logistics hub, enabling the pineapples to reach supermarket shelves quickly. This rapid speed-to-market ensures customers receive fruit at peak freshness while maintaining reliable quality standards. Elefante Farms will also be starting their MD2 pineapple sea program next month.
All Elefante pineapples are fully traceable and cultivated using ethical and sustainable farming practices. The company is currently adding GRASP accreditation to its certifications, underscoring its commitment to responsible labor practices and fair treatment of workers.
With its dual offering of Sugarloaf and Sweet Gold MD2, the company is positioning Ghana as a source of premium tropical fruit for a wide range of markets worldwide.