After successful launches in China and North America, the highly anticipated red-shelled pineapple will soon be available to European consumers, showcasing Fresh Del Monte’s continued innovation in the global fruit market.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. a global leader in the production and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables, is set to introduce its latest pineapple innovation, the Rubyglow® pineapple, to the European market in early 2025.
This new variety, which features a striking red outer shell and bright yellow flesh, offers a unique sweet flavor similar to the company’s well-known Del Monte Gold® Extra Sweet pineapple. The Rubyglow® pineapple has already seen successful launches in China and North America, with a European waitlist now open for eager consumers.
Developed over a span of more than 15 years, the Rubyglow® pineapple is the product of traditional crossbreeding between a standard pineapple and the Morada variety, which is typically inedible. The hybrid fruit, grown in Costa Rica, is naturally ripened on the plant and requires two years to fully mature.
According to Fresh Del Monte, the pineapple will be sold crownless in specially designed packaging, reflecting both the brand’s commitment to quality and the fruit’s exclusive nature. Due to the intricate cultivation process and a limited supply of seeds, availability remains scarce, contributing to the high demand for this new pineapple variety.
As noted in the company’s press release, the Rubyglow® pineapple has generated significant global interest since its initial launch in China in January 2023. A subsequent North American release followed in May 2024, and European customers on the current waitlist will be contacted as soon as the product becomes available. Fresh Del Monte anticipates that deliveries will begin in early 2025.
Fresh Del Monte has long been a pioneer in pineapple innovation, beginning with the introduction of the Del Monte Gold® Extra Sweet pineapple in the 1990s. This variety, known for its golden color and enhanced sweetness, set a new standard in the industry.
Since then, the company has continued to expand its portfolio with products such as the Pinkglow® pineapple, Honeyglow® pineapple, Del Monte Zero® pineapple, and now, the Rubyglow® pineapple. While the Pinkglow® pineapple remains unavailable in Europe, the addition of the Rubyglow® pineapple strengthens Del Monte’s leadership position in the global pineapple market.
Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO of Fresh Del Monte, expressed pride in the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate within the pineapple industry. “We are proud to introduce our latest pineapple innovation, the Rubyglow® pineapple, to the European region. This Del Monte exclusive pineapple further cements our global leadership position in the pineapple market,” said Abu-Ghazaleh. He also emphasized the role of the company’s scientists in developing new varieties that appeal to a diverse consumer base. “Our scientists continue to elevate the bar by creating new pineapple varieties, with varied tastes and colors, that cater to more and more consumers worldwide,” he added.
The Rubyglow® pineapple, like many of Fresh Del Monte’s offerings, is protected by a registered plant patent in the United States. The company’s ability to introduce such products reflects its commitment to both sustainability and innovation.
Fresh Del Monte has been recognized for its corporate responsibility, notably being ranked as one of “America’s Most Trusted Companies” by Newsweek for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024). The company was also acknowledged in 2024 as one of the “World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” by Newsweek, a testament to its success in fostering trust among consumers, employees, and investors.
