Scope of Entrepreneurship Developments in Pineapple Processing

Abstract

Pineapple is cultivated commercially in the tropics and parts of the subtropics of the world. Fresh pineapple, in whole or sliced form, has a good domestic and international market. Fresh pineapples destined for export are harvested green-ripe or half-ripe. Reusable plastic containers and corrugated containers are also commonly used for handling and distribution of fresh pineapples throughout the supply chain. Cool chain is essential during transport of export quality commodity all the way from the farm to the customer, both for fresh and fresh cut products. Edible coatings and modified atmosphere packaging reduce juice leakage, retain colour changes and inhibit microbial growth of fresh cut pineapples. Active packaging such as oxygen scavengers, carbon dioxide releasers/emitters, ethylene scavengers and antimicrobial packaging may be used to improve quality and safety of fresh cut pineapples and pineapple products. Marketing of processed products from pineapple is the biggest challenge.