Ghana’s Elefante Farms expands global pineapple exports with new MD2 variety

GHANA – Elefante Farms has introduced a premium MD2 pineapple variety from Ghana into international markets, building on the success of its well-received Sugarloaf pineapple.

The company first launched the Elefante Green Gold Sugarloaf in 2022, a fruit that quickly drew attention for its soft white flesh and mild taste.

“We launched the Sugarloaf variety, a unique pineapple with soft white flesh, unlike the typical yellow-fleshed pineapples most people are familiar with,” said Kingsley Ansong, President and Founder of Elefante Farms.

Vice President Juliane Krug added, “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.”

Customer feedback, according to the company, consistently highlights the fruit’s distinctive appearance and honey-sweet taste. Encouraged by this response, Elefante Farms has now introduced the Elefante Sweet Gold MD2, a yellow-flesh pineapple recognized worldwide as the industry’s most popular variety.

“The Elefante Sweet Gold MD2 complements the Sugarloaf variety, giving customers two options suited for different markets, from wholesale and retail to processing,” Krug explained.

“By adding Elefante Sweet Gold, we provide our partners with greater variety, reliable quality, excellent flavor, and multiple uses.”

Ansong noted that Ghana’s rich soils give the fruit a distinct edge. “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,” he said.

Year-round availability

Both the Sugarloaf and Sweet Gold MD2 are grown in Ghana’s Central region, where fertile soils and a tropical climate create the right conditions for pineapples.

By staggering planting cycles, Elefante Farms can keep production steady throughout the year, with peak supply running from September to March when global demand is highest.

Since its first shipments, Elefante Farms has built a strong market presence in France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States. Exports have now grown to include the UAE, parts of Asia, and other select destinations.

“We’re responding to a strong growth in demand from fruit wholesalers, distributors, and processors,” Ansong said.

To keep freshness intact, pineapples are flown directly from Accra to global markets, with Brussels serving as the central hub for Europe. This setup allows fruit to reach supermarket shelves quickly. The company will also launch its MD2 pineapple sea freight program next month, expanding logistics options.

All Elefante pineapples remain fully traceable and are grown under ethical and sustainable practices. The company is also adding GRASP accreditation to strengthen its commitment to fair labor standards.

With both the Sugarloaf and Sweet Gold MD2, Elefante Farms aims to secure Ghana’s position as a dependable source of high-quality tropical fruit across the world.

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