From dessert to daily treat: Key reasons why pineapples are now a top fruit choice
A recent survey commissioned by global tropical fruit producer and distributor Fyffes shows that pineapples have finally broken into consumers' top 10 favorite fruits.
The study, conducted by the marketing research company Nielsen, shows that the juicy yellow product ranks on par with traditional best-selling varieties such as bananas, apples, and oranges.
“Our consumer market research gives us important and valuable insights which guide our category vision and marketing strategies. We are constantly innovating our pineapple portfolio," said Adriano Di Dia, Chief Marketing Officer at Fyffes.
More than a decadent dessert
The data confirms that pineapples, once a dessert favorite, have grown to become a daily delight, the company said.
Among the interviewed consumers, 31 percent said "treating myself" is their top reason for eating the yellow fruit, making it a satisfying treat.
The second-best reason, cited by 24 percent of surveyed consumers, was "to support my healthy diet." This response underscores the health benefits consumers see in pineapple.
In the top 3, 20 percent of participants said they ate the fruit "to satisfy my appetite." Fyffes notes this response is “sufficiently important that it outranked 15 other strong and emotionally-valid reasons offered by consumers interviewed.”
Pineapples are better with loved ones
The survey also revealed previously unknown consumer habits, such as a preference to eat the fruit with a partner (44 percent) or family (26 percent) at home.
Participants said they best liked the fruit as a dessert (34 percent), a snack between meals (32 percent), or as an ingredient (21 percent).
Other findings of interest to retailers show that 36 percent of respondents purchase pineapples spontaneously. They said they're attracted by appealing fruit on the shelf or well-presented fruit in a separate aisle as a second point of sale in-store.
Surprisingly, in terms of value-for-money, European consumers (36 percent) preferred a smaller-sized fruit (1.2 kg), with only four percent opting for the largest example (2.8kg).
The Holidays—but make it tropical
Fyffes said it continues to innovate in the tropical fruit category, both in production and marketing.
The company has been celebrating its Halloween campaign, calling it "a fantastic success," and its holiday spirit will remain strong throughout the New Year.
Fyffes' CMO says pineapples are a favorite for Christmas, so the firm is expecting to see an uplift in sales this season.
"We are equally proud that in 2026, we will bring new and refreshing Fyffes brand pineapple concepts to market in collaboration with select retailers," he said.
The executive added that he's excited about research showing that the tropical yellow fruit has become an all-year-round choice for consumers.
"Thanks to our own farm in Costa Rica and our fruit supply partners, we guarantee high-quality pineapple produce,” he concluded.
*All images are referential
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