Pineapple. It's still one of the images that come to mind when people think about Hawaii. In the late 1940's, Hawaii was the pineapple capital of the world, producing more than 80 percent of the world's pineapple. At that time, only sugar cane was a larger industry.
Such is not the case today. Today Hawaii's pineapple production makes up less than 2% of the world's crop. The nations of Thailand, the Philippines and Brazil lead the world in pineapple production. The reason is simple. It's cheaper to produce fresh and canned pineapple elsewhere. In 2008 Del Monte will harvest their last crop of pineapple in Hawaii (on Oahu.)
Maui Gold® Pineapple
One variety of pineapple which is seeing an increase in production is Maui Gold® Pineapple. Maui Gold® is produced only by Maui Pineapple Company, a subsidiary of Maui Land & Pineapple Company (ML&P), a holding and operating company established in 1907 dedicated to agriculture, resort operation, and the creation and management of balanced communities.Maui Gold® is naturally sweet, with a low acid content, a rich golden color, and a deliciously sweet pineapple aroma and taste. Maui Gold® is also exceptionally nutritious, providing 3 times the Vitamin C of traditional pineapple. Maui Pineapple Company introduced the Maui Gold® pineapple variety to the market in 1996.
