Nielsen consumer research commissioned by Fyffes reveals pineapples now rank alongside traditional big-selling varieties
The emergence of pineapples as a frontline fruit on a par with traditional big-selling varieties such as bananas, apples and oranges has been confirmed in a consumer survey conducted by Nielsen.
Commissioned by Fyffes, the survey ranked pineapples at number ten as the fruit most consumed in the last six months.
Amongst consumers interviewed, the appeal that the fruit has as a satisfying treat ranked highest, with 31 per cent of respondents claiming ‘to treat myself’ as their top reason to eat pineapple.
The second best reason, quoted by 24 per cent of pineapple consumers surveyed, was ‘to support my healthy diet’, underscoring the health values that consumers look to pineapples to deliver.
Third highest reason given by 20 per cent of those surveyed was ‘to satisfy my appetite’ – one that Fyffes noted is “sufficiently important that it outranked 15 other strong and emotionally-valid reasons offered by consumers interviewed”.
Other consumer tastes revealed in the survey show that pineapples are mainly eaten with a partner (44 per cent) or family (26 per cent) at home.
Best-liked as a dessert (34 per cent), as a snack between meals (32 per cent), or as an ingredient (21 per cent), other findings show that 36 per cent of respondents make a spontaneous purchase, attracted by appealing fruit on the shelf or well presented fruit in a separate aisle as a second point of sale instore.
A smaller size fruit (1.2kg) was preferred by the greatest number of European consumers (36 per cent) with only 4 per cent opting for the largest example (2.8kg).
“Our consumer market research gives us important and valuable insights which guide our category vision and marketing strategies,” said Adriano Di Dia, chief marketing officer with Fyffes.
”We are constantly innovating our pineapple portfolio. In fact, this year, we launched our premium Fyffes Special Reserve pineapples.
”Our partners – Rewe Germany and Carrefour Spain – have both launched Fyffes Special Reserve which is grown by experts and picked at perfection, these pineapples boast a richer golden hue, a sweeter taste, and a juicier texture,” he outlined.
”We are equally proud that in 2026 we will bring new and refreshing Fyffes brand pineapple concepts to market in collaboration with select retailers.
”Over recent years we have promoted the crownless pineapple which facilitates packing and space for the shopper, as well as transport from Central America and reduces waste and another consumer-focused ‘sales-builder’ is the wider availability of our-branded pick-‘n-go cartons of pre-cut, ready-to-eat pineapple chunks,” Del Dia continued.
“What is very exciting however is that this research is telling us that pineapples have become an all year round choice for consumers and thanks to our own pineapple farm in Costa Rica and our fruit supply partners we guarantee high quality pineapple produce.”
