Australia’s leading pineapple producer Piñata Farms has begun the annual harvest from its Far North Queensland growing region, Mareeba.
General Manager Tropicals Stephen Scurr said a smooth transition to Mareeba from the primary growing region at Wamuran in the state’s south-east, ensured a year-round supply of fruit nationally.
“Mareeba had a big, wet summer starting in December 2023 with Cyclone Jasper, followed by a cold winter. However, this did not affect fruit quality, size or flavour and consumers can expect the same, sweet, flavoursome Piñata pineapples they know well,” Mr Scurr said.
He said since beginning production in the region some 28 years ago, Piñata Farms had adapted traditional growing practices from the south-east to suit local conditions, including extensive erosion control, underground drainage and irrigation.
“These measures hold us in good stead in times of excessive rainfall such as the rainfall that came with Cyclone Jasper,” he said.
“Another difference is that it takes 18 months to produce a crop at Mareeba, about six months less than the south-east, due to climatic conditions.”
The Mareeba operation would harvest pineapples from more than 40 hectares of pineapples five-six days a week until March 2025 with peak production in November and December, he said.
Piñata Farms pioneered production in the area to provide a consistent supply of pineapples to the market and spread risk. It is the only commercial pineapple producer in the region and grows two low-acid, hybrid varieties, MD2 and 73-50.
All Piñata pineapples are planted, picked and packed by hand. Pineapples are distributed to leading supermarkets around Australia, arriving within two days of picking.
Production at Wamuran, which typically runs from February to October or November, has now ceased for the year.
