The naturally bred pineapple is the only fresh produce item to be honoured in the BrandSpark and Newsweek Awards
Dole’s Colada Royale pineapple has been named a 2026 Best New Product Awards Winner in the in a 2026 BrandSpark International survey of US shoppers conducted by Newsweek.
The multinational’s conventionally bred new pineapple, described as “offering distinct notes of coconut, reminiscent of piña colada”, was among 43 new food and beverage products awarded and the only fresh fruit or vegetable to receive an accolade.
Considered one of North America’s most credible consumer-voted awards for new products, the Best New Product Awards asked 10,000 American shoppers to purchase, use and review products in 112 categories.
The award comes as Dole Food Company announced plans for its 125th Pineapple Crowning Anniversary in 2026 celebrating its 125 years in the pineapple business, dating back to Jim Dole’s launch on Oahu in 1901.
Gold-to-green on the outside with a lighter cream-coloured inside, the non-GMO Dole Colada Royale pineapple was developed over the course of 15 years at the company’s oldest pineapple farm in La Ceiba, Honduras, to appeal to those seeking “the ultimate tropical eating indulgence”.
“In addition to flavour resembling a piña colada, it delivers all the expected health benefits of Dole’s other fresh pineapples – improved digestion, reduced inflammation and protection against chronic diseases – as well as two and a half times more vitamin B per 1-cup serving than other varieties,” the company said.
According to Bil Goldfield, Dole’s director of communications, the award is acknowledgment of the years of tireless work by the company’s pineapple R&D breeding team in Honduras led by Roberto Young, a Honduran native who has overseen the programme since 1997.
“Our intent was to leverage our century and a quarter of pineapple-growing experience in Hawaii and Latin America to create an exceptional premium pineapple so luxurious in its taste experience it leaves you wanting more,” Goldfield said. “Since the Colada Royale has already become one of the most successful launches in Dole Food Company history, it appears we have achieved this goal.”
