Chapters 8.51
8.51-Pineapple Value Addition
Ashleigh Pulford, University of Guelph, Canada
Suggested citation for this chapter.
Pulford,A. (2022) Pineapple Value Addition,In Farmpedia, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org
Introduction
In Africa, the number of people suffering from chronic undernourishment has risen from 20.8 to 22.7 percent (FAO, 2017). Even though Africa is bestowed with a vast array of natural resources, the continent still suffers from the highest rates of poverty globally. The majority of these people are smallholder subsistence farmers that farm enough produce to feed themselves and their families. The raw commodity crop is grown by these farmers, which obtains a poor market value. One relatively simple solution is to increase the value of these crops after harvest. Value Addition in agriculture involves processing a raw product into something manufactured so that it is of higher value when sold. Selling these higher value products both locally and through exporting to international markets would bring greater wealth to the farmer and boost the countries economy.
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a perennial monocot that takes approximately 2-3 years to develop. It is a tropical fruit that has numerous health benefits as a rich source of vitamins, mineral and antioxidants. Currently it is the third most important tropical fruit crop grown after bananas and citrus fruits (Hossain, 2016) and 11th as the most cultivated fruit globally. Representing Africa, Nigeria ranks 7th as one of the top 10 producer countries and the leading pineapple producer in Africa with 1, 420, 000 tonnes in 2014 (UNCTAD, 2016). As an important economic crop, pineapple has the potential to increase the national income of the African people through higher production which increases local industries involved with its manufacturing.
In countries such as Nigeria and Ghana, where pineapple production is highest, the majority of the fruit is sold as fresh produce at local markets for domestic consumption. However, “due to production inefficiencies, post-harvest losses, low level of technology to facilitate processing of quality pineapple products and inefficient marketing system” (Adegbite, Oni & Adeoye, 2014) it still has the lowest productivity compared to the other top producing countries.
There are many affordable ways in which small hold farmer in Africa can add value to their commodity. Value addition for pineapple farmers can be categorized into separate groups: 1. Food, and 2. Medical.
Value Addition Ideas
Pineapple juice:
Pineapples are harvested and peeled, before being passed through a fruit crusher and screw juicer. Jars and bottles can pack well and are easily transported without the risk of breakage “The juice is heated to approximately 80˚C for 5 minutes” (Orwa, 2017), poured into jars and sealed. Agricultural scientist and engineers from the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering in Nigeria have built a portable multipurpose extractor (Aremu & Clement, 2016) as an affordable machine for farmers. They also provide the relevant training and safety instruction on how to operate the machinery. In Ghana the recommended price of approximately half – litre bottle of pineapple juice, or mixed juice with other fruits is 1.5 cedis ($1 USD) (Ross, 2009). Although this is almost 3 times the price of bottled Coke, the population is willing to support farmers.
Additional Resources for Further Information:
Capitol Foods is a beverage manufacturing company in Sierra Leone (West Africa) that provides videos on how pineapples can be processed and juiced; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWJwY4zEv9w
Alibaba.com is an international trade site that connects suppliers and consumers with products that they need, the economic value of pineapple concentrate, can be found as well; https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Pineapple-Juice-Concentrate-clarified-65-Brix_50045489804.html?spm=a2700.7724838.2017115.19.1fd27932Wumgwc
Pineapple jams and chutneys:
Value can be added by making preserved products from excess products or fruit that is not of the quality for the fresh fruit market. For jams, the pineapple is finely diced and cooked over heat, mixed with sugar and then cooled and packaged into jars. With the chutney, the addition of vinegar and other spices are added to the pineapple. If available other fruits can be added to the chutney; this could add value to the final product. This can be placed into jars and packed for the local and international market given its extended shelf life. These could be used as an additive for other meals, packaged for boutique markets (e.g. local tourists hotels) where they could fetch a higher price. A jar of pineapple jam can be sold in Kenya for 199KSh ($2 USD) which is considerably higher than the price of a fresh whole pineapple (Zesta Pineapple Jam, 2018).</p.
Additional Resources for Further Information:
Practical Action is a charity, that provides funding to people in Africa for their business ideas. For methods on how to make jams and chutneys refer to; https://www.ctc-n.org/sites/www.ctc-n.org/files/resources/4f78af5f-cea4-45b8-b13e-08e31661b3dc.pdf
Solar dehydration for pineapple chips:
Dehydrating of excess pineapple is a low-cost option that can be implemented by farmers, once given the specific training. The driers are built from wood and polythene which can be sourced and built (Figure 1) locally, with the only other expenses being labour and upkeep (Tiwari, 2016). The pineapples are peeled and cut into desired shapes, placed onto ventilated sheets and placed into the drier for 12 – 48 hours depending on climatic conditions. As these solar dehydrators can be expensive to purchase at first a solution is for multiple farmers to invest in a large scale dryer (Dryers For Africa, n.d.). Once dried, is sorted weighed and packaged for the local and international markets. Pineapple dried using this method can be stored for up to one year. Appealing packaging labels make the product more appealing to the consumer therefore making it more economically viable. A 1 kilo bag of pineapple chips sells in Uganda Shs10, 000 ($2.70 USD) and could be increased in the international market (Muzaale, 2017). Dried fruit is susceptible to less damage so is suited for transportation. Bakeries and other food companies may purchase the dehydrated product to use in other food products are to rehydrate pieces at a later date.
Additional Resources for Further Information:
Dryers For Africa is a design and manufacturing company of agricultural processing equipment for farmers in Africa. Its aims to assist farmers with processing solutions including dehydrators; http://dryersforafrica.co.za/products.html
Figure 1: Example of a low-cost solar dehydrator construction Source: https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/a-review-on-solar-drying-of-agricultural-produce-2157-7110-1000623.php?aid=80529
Skewered pineapple
Pineapples are harvested, peeled and cut into 2-3 cm chunks. The pieces are placed on wooden skewers and can be served fresh, frozen or grilled. As grilled, it can be served as it or with other locally sourced spices for additional flavours. Each of the skewers can have additional seasonal fruits or even meats added to them for increased market value.
Additional Resources for Further Information:
The Spruce Fruits provides a detailed method on how to prepared pineapple skewers as well as serving options; https://www.thespruceeats.com/grilled-pineapple-dessert-recipe-3217382
Alcoholic pineapple beverages:
The pineapples are thoroughly washed and peeled. The fruit can be used for other products while the peel is boiled in a pot with water and sugar. Yeast is then added to the mixture after it has been reduced before it is placed in jars
and sorted for the fermentation process. The biggest cost factor would be the purchasing of the yeast. Some farmers may choose to leave pineapple pieces in the beverage for additional sweetness and decorative measures. In Uganda a 750 ml bottle of wine may sell for approximately Shs12, 000 ($3.20 USD) but is worth more during holiday and festive seasons (Muzaale, 2017). Figure 2 is an example of how pineapple farmers would sell their fermented pineapple product.
Additional Resources for Further Information:
The following article shows how a small Ugandan farmer who has turned to producing pineapple wine to add value to her pineapples. It also include a recipe on how she makes her product; https://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Farming/Making-money-from-pineapple-wine/689860-3872856-3wf3oa/index.html
Critical Analysis
As a raw product pineapple is consumed as ripened fresh produce. It has a sweet flesh that makes it a popular product. An issue is that during the harvest season many markets are faced with an oversupply of products and without processing or preservation methods, pineapples are wasted or become undervalued on the market. However, unfortunately fresh pineapple has a relatively short shelf life (1-2 days) after harvest, so it has the ability to take advantage of value addition methods. Farmers do need to be trained to learn when is the optimal time to harvest pineapples, as under-ripe and over-ripe fruits are of a lower quality which results in low prices. Due to the short shelf life of the product, many of the processing facilities would have to be in close proximity to the farms. The key is to have the value adding process at the farm rather than at a factory. Farming equipment is relatively cost effective and the majority is already market available making processing cheaper and more accessible. Processing would give small hold farmer a way to maximise the potential of their crops yield for an extended time rather than just the harvesting season. Eye-catching marketing and sales techniques are required for all of the value addition products. Farmers can achieve this by forming cooperatives or by community collaboration. For example many farmers (even of different products) may chose to together purchase storage or refrigeration to reduce costs or may put their products together on the same transportation vehicle.
References
1. Adegbite, O., Oni, O., & Adeoye, I. (2014). Competitiveness of Pineapple Production in Osun State, Nigeria. Journal Of Economics And Sustainable Development, 5(2), 1 - 10. Retrieved from https://s3.amazonaws.com/academia.edu.documents/34228025/Competitiveness_of_Pineapple_Production_in_Osun_State__Nigeria.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAIWOWYYGZ2Y53UL3A&Expires=1541970724&Signature=p2RAwNoPyfNWBFJq%2Bk5b8XKcOI4%3D&response-content-disposition=inline%3B%20filename%3DIISTE_international_journals_2014_editio.pdf
2. Aremu, A., & Clement, O. (2016). Development and Evaluation of a Multipurpose Juice Extractor. New York Science Journal, 9(6), 7-14. doi: 10.7537/marsnys09061602
3. Capitol Foods. (2017). Sierra Juice - Pineapple Juice Processing [Video]. Sierra Leone.
4. De La Cruz Medina, J., & Garcia, H. (2018). Pineapple: Post-harvest Operations (pp. 2-29). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/inpho/docs/Post_Harvest_Compendium_-_Pineapple.pdf
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10. Muzaale, F. (2017). Making money from pineapple wine. Retrieved from https://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Farming/Making-money-from-pineapple-wine/689860-3872856-3wf3oa/index.html
11. Muzaale, F. (2017). Pineapple crisps are a money maker for Nakiwala. Retrieved from https://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Farming/Pineapple-crisps-money--maker--Nakiwala/689860-3933162-qgdqnnz/index.html
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13. Orwa, J. (2017). Easy ways to extend pineapple shelf-life. Retrieved from https://www.nation.co.ke/business/seedsofgold/Easy-ways-to-extend-pineapple-shelflife/2301238-3508512-g45psnz/index.html
14. Pineapple Jam. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.ctc-n.org/sites/www.ctc-n.org/files/resources/4f78af5f-cea4-45b8-b13e-08e31661b3dc.pdf
15. Pineapple Juice Concentrate Clarified 65 Brix And 60 Brix - Buy Pineapple Juice,Pineapple Juice Concentrate,Quality Cheap Pineapple Juice Concentrate Product on Alibaba.com. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Pineapple-Juice-Concentrate-clarified-65-Brix_50045489804.html?spm=a2700.7724838.2017115.19.1fd27932Wumgwc
16. Pipyfawole, O. (2008). Pineapple farmers' information sources and usage in Nigeria. Bulgarian Journal Of Agricultural Science, Agricultural Academy, 14(4), 381-389. Retrieved from https://www.agrojournal.org/14/04-05-08.pdf
17. Ross, W. (2009). BBC News | World | Africa | Ghana's juicy economic lesson. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7939221.stm
18. Schmidt, D. (2018). A Basic Grilled Pineapple Recipe. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/grilled-pineapple-dessert-recipe-3217382
19. Solar drying pineapples | Access Agriculture. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.accessagriculture.org/solar-drying-pineapples
20. Tiwari, A. (2016). A Review on Solar Drying of Agricultural Produce. Journal Of Food Processing & Technology, 7(9). 2-12, doi: 10.4172/2157-7110.1000623
21. UNCTAD Trust Fund on Market Information on Agricultural Commodities. (2016). Pineapple. Geneva: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/INFOCOMM_cp09_Pineapple_en.pdf.
22. Zesta Pineapple Jam. (2018). Retrieved from https://yaoota.com/en-ke/product/zesta-500g-pineapple-jam-price-from-foodplus-kenya