PRODUCER & TERROIR
The Pinas Cultivadas family business is located in Alajuela in the Los Chiles region of Costa Rica, the world’s leading pineapple-producing country. Founded 38 years ago by Jennifer Salazar’s father, it was originally a reforestation company before the Salazar family decided to diversify their business and adapt to market needs, also offering pineapples, avocados, non-timber forest products, and organic produce.
« We grow our pineapples with organic fertilizers to enrich the soil. »
Pineapple grower in Costa Rica
GROWING TECHNIQUES
Extra Sweet pineapple is a variety that grows in the Alajuela region of Costa Rica. Compared with other pineapple varieties, it benefits from ideal climatic conditions, guaranteeing high-quality production. The region’s sunny weather and rich soil enable pineapples to fully ripen and become as sweet as possible. Costa Rica is a country affected by climate change, which is why Jennifer Salazar and her father have had to adapt and learn to work differently. They learned about natural solutions to insect and disease control, including the use of organic products.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ACTION
The Salazar family is committed to lessening their business’s impact on the environment. To reduce their water and energy consumption, they use solar panels to power their factories, offices, warehouses, and mixers, and 30% of their operations are carried out by drones. What’s more, their soils are fertilized with biones (organic fertilizers), which lower the amount of synthetic agrochemicals, reduce the production chain’s carbon footprint, improve the soil’s nutritive qualities, and do not affect water quality. They use fungi and bacteria that they produce themselves to combat potential parasites and diseases. All these actions are carried out with respect for protected areas and enable them to work in harmony with the forest where they are located, thus helping to protect the environment necessary for growing their fruit.
Working with Partner Producers Too
We always want our supply chains to be as short and direct as possible and to work with a single producer whenever we can. However, if we use two varieties of the same fruit or orchards are too small to meet our needs, we will work with several producer partners instead. We always apply the same standards, specifications and commitments as we do with the grower we present to you in greater depth. Fruit supply chains often require teamwork, and it is essential we get to know all our growers and support their efforts.
