Pineapple Production Research Articles

Knowledge and perceptions towards organic farming: a case of pineapple farmers in central Uganda

This study examined the knowledge and perceptions as well as factors that influence the knowledge and perceptions of pineapple farmers towards organic farming in Uganda. Through multi-stage sampling procedures, purposive and random techniques were applied at different stages to select participants from both Luwero and Kayunga districts in central Uganda. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. A composite index for knowledge and perceptions was computed for each respondent and subjected to descriptive statistics while the censored Tobit regression model was used to determine factors that influenced farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of organic farming. Results showed that both organic and non-organic farmers had a high level of knowledge and favorable perceptions towards organic farming with no significant difference. Perceived environmental and economic benefits of organic farming did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) among organic and non-organic farmers. However, mean scores for perceived health and nutritional (4.30 vs. 3.94) benefits, and access to markets (4.10 vs. 3.89) differed significantly (p < 0.05) between organic and non-organic farmers. There was a positive and significant relationship between knowledge and perception of organic farming among non-organic farmers while for organic farmers, a significant and negative relationship was observed. Factors that significantly influenced farmers’ knowledge were information sources and farmers’ experiences. Farmer perceptions were influenced by education, information sources, group membership and extension services. Therefore, to enhance the adoption and growth of organic pineapple production in Uganda, policymakers and promoters should consider these factors when designing policy documents and sustainability strategies for the development of organic agriculture.

Socio-Economic Impacts of Fruit Crop Production in the Mungo Corridor, Littoral Region, Cameroon

Purpose: Agriculture, particularly fruit crop production, serves as a vital driver of economic growth worldwide. In Cameroon, the Mungo Corridor plays a substantial role in the agricultural sector, particularly in fruit crop production. This study aims to assess the socio-economic impacts of fruit crop production within the Mungo Corridor, a region known for cultivating bananas, pineapples, and mangoes. By evaluating the economic contributions and challenges, the study seeks to provide insights for policies that could enhance the sustainability and development of fruit production in the area. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique to select respondents and resource persons. Materials and Methods: Data collection involved the use of structured and pre-tested questionnaires along with an interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 and Microsoft Excel, while qualitative data from interviews was subjected to thematic analysis. Six subdivisions from the Mungo Division were purposely chosen to represent the agricultural activities within the region. Findings: The study confirms that fruit crop production has significant socio-economic benefits in the Mungo Corridor. Over a 10-year period, banana production reached 195,000 tons, while pineapple production rose from 6,543 tons in 2012 to 28,141 tons in 2022. Papaya production increased from 36 tons to 86 tons during the same period. The income from fruit sales enabled stakeholders to develop socio-economic activities, fostering regional development. Fruit crop production contributed to the construction of 12 schools (primary and secondary), 21 health centers, the rehabilitation of 8 fruit markets, 3 bus stations, and growth in the informal sector. However, the study also identified several challenges with Farmers face limited access to markets. Poor infrastructure affects production and distribution. The looming threat of climate change presents long-term risks to fruit farming. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: To address the challenges and ensure sustainable fruit crop production in the Mungo Corridor, the study recommends the implementation of policies that promote local products and support farmers through market access initiatives. Invest in transport, storage, and market infrastructure to improve efficiency. Develop interventions to mitigate the impact of climate change on fruit production and strengthen cooperation among farmers, government, and private actors to maximize the benefits of fruit crop production and foster sustainable development. By highlighting the essential role of fruit farming in the socio-economic development of the Mungo Corridor, the study emphasizes the need for renewed efforts to support the sector and enhance its contributions to regional growth.

Comparative Analysis of the Profitability of Major Value-added Activities Along the Pineapple Value Chain in Ghana

This study aimed to analyze the profitability of sampled pineapple farmers, processors, and marketers in Ghana, which will help to assess how these actors optimize available resources to generate profits and achieve production efficiency. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used with interview schedules as the data collection instruments. The sample size was 320, 66, and 169, pineapple farmers, processors, and marketers respectively. The study found that pineapple production and processing were profitable, but marketing was not. The results showed a significant difference in the profit share of the group actors, highlighting that the profit share of each actor along the pineapple value chain is different. The results also showed that income, capital, and planting materials were the main determinants of farmers' profits. On the other hand, capital, pineapples, and packaging materials were the predictors of processors' profits. While transport, revenue, and loading and unloading costs predicted the marketer's profit. Based on these findings, the study recommended that NGOs and other partner agencies promote the pineapple industry in various ways to reduce poverty by providing credit facilities to actors to increase their productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

Utilizing Nata de Pina for Hydrogel Synthesis: Effects of Citric Acid on Hydrogel Characteristics

Abstract The increasing production of pineapples will produce waste that’s increasing anyway. To optimize the utilization of pineapple skin waste One solution is to use the pineapple skin waste To be used as the main material for making nata de pina. Nata de pina is fiber cellulose on the surface of pineapple medium from the results of Acetobacter xylinum bacterial metabolism. The resulting cellulose is then used as a basic material manufacture of natural polimer as hydrogel. The research stage consists of 3 stages, namely making Nata de Pina, the manufacture of hydrogels as well as the characterization of the resulting hydrogels. The method used in hydrogel synthesis is chemical crosslinking with citric acid as a crosslinking agent. Variable variations performed in This study is the use of citric acid concentrations of 35%,37,5%,40%, and 42.5%. Nata de Pina-based hydrogel was successfully synthesized. Hydrogels based on Nata de Pina were successfully synthesized. It is shown based on the results of the FTIR test that the hydrogel has a C=O group that proving that there has been a cross-linking between cellulose and citric acid. The resulting hydrogel has good antibacterial activity against bacteria-positive and negative grams. The best results are shown by hydrogels with 40% concentration where the hydrogel has a maximum tensile strength value by 11.4 MPa. This study aim the innovative use of Nata de Pina, a byproduct of pineapple peel waste, as a novel material for hydrogel synthesis. By employing citric acid as a crosslinking agent, we investigated the effects on the hydrogel’s mechanical and swelling properties. Our findings demonstrate the potential of Nata de Pina-based hydrogels in sustainable material applications, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers.

Production and Marketing Strategies of Pineapple Growers in Calauan, Laguna, Philippines

Pineapple holds significant economic importance in the Philippines due to its widespread cultivation, prominent export position, and favorable climate. As a leading producer and exporter, the country makes a substantial contribution to the global market. This study primarily focused on data collection concerning the production and marketing system of pineapple in Calauan, Laguna, Philippines. The descriptive research design was used in the study covering the quantitative data gathered from fifty- two (52) pineapple growers utilizing checklist-based questionnaire. The study revealed that production of pineapple was established for more than 10 years in a one to two hectares of land generating an approximate income of PhP 100,000.00 to PhP 200,000.00 annually. Most common pineapple cultivar planted was Smooth cayenne or Hawaiian cultivars. Data revealed that the production systems undertaken by the pineapple growers in Calauan, Laguna were grown in a free draining loam soil applied with inorganic fertilizer every two months and regular weeding was done. Harvesting was done manually to maintain the quality of fruits. Direct marketing of pineapple showed helpful to the growers for easy generation of income after harvesting. Common preference on Calauan pineapple was based on its sweetness regardless of its size and mostly bought by the buyers and consumers in farm gate level. Pricing of pineapples were based on its size considering its class. Promotion and sales of pineapples were based on direct selling and wholesale and on cash basis. The study identified several challenges low demand of product, low supply of product, lack of planting materials and pest and diseases. To address these challenges, the study recommended that pineapple growers may explore biotechnologies through government intervention to increase the number of planting materials and production of quality pineapple. It also recommended that pineapple growers may attend training's and seminars regarding marketing, bookkeeping and post-harvest for value adding technologies that will help to increase the income.

Economic Efficiency Of Pineapple Farming Using The Stochastic Frontier Approach

Central Aceh Regency is the province's largest pineapple producer. However, pineapple farming is facing the problem of low pineapple productivity and input use efficiency. The research aims to analyze the factors that influence the level of technical efficiency and the allocative and economic efficiency of pineapple farming in Pegasing District, Central Aceh Regency. The sampling process employs the stratified random sampling method. The total sample consisted of 62 respondents. The stochastic frontier is used. The research revealed that the production factor of land area, with a variable coefficient value of 0.0312, seeds with a variable coefficient value of seeds of 1.0152, and pesticides with a coefficient value of 5.6239, significantly influenced pineapple farming production in Pegasing District. Conversely, the labor factor, with a coefficient value of 0.0408, and fertilizer, with a coefficient value of 0.1198, had an insignificant effect. The use of inputs in pineapple farming has reached technical efficiency values, but there are ​still opportunities to increase optimally. However, neither allocatively nor economically have we achieved efficiency. The technical efficiency value for pineapple farmers was 0.80, the allocative efficiency value reached 0.427, and the economic efficiency was 0.351. Farmers, as actors in farming activities, need to pay attention to the use of the right combination of inputs; economic efficiency will be obtained from the use of production factors so that pineapple farmers' income will increase.

Selection of potential location for technopark based on pineapple SMEs using AHP-GIS techniques in Kampar Regency

Kampar Regency, as the largest pineapple producer in Riau Province, has yet to provide significant added value for the surrounding SMEs. The limitations in technology and innovation, infrastructure support, and market access have prevented this potential from being optimally utilized. A Technopark can provide the necessary facilities and infrastructure to enhance production efficiency, innovation, and product quality, thus driving local economic growth. The objective of this study is to identify and determine potential locations for the development of a pineapple-based Technopark in Kampar Regency. This study is crucial as a fundamental consideration in selecting the technopark location and assessing the effectiveness and success of the technopark area. The method used in this study is AHP-GIS to analyze relevant parameters in the site selection process for the technopark area. Parameters considered in this study include slope, land use, availability of raw materials, accessibility of roads, access to water resources, proximity to universities, market access, population density, and landfill. The analysis results indicate that the percentage of land highly suitable for the technopark location is 0.78%, covering an area of 8943 hectares. Based on the analysis, it is recommended that potential locations for the development of a pineapple SMEs-based technopark in Kampar Regency are dispersed in Tambang District, encompassing three villages: Rimbo Panjang, Kualu Nenas and Tarai Bangun. The findings of this study align with the spatial planning of Kampar Regency.

Fermentation and Nutritive Value of Pineapple Stubble Silage Supplemented with Leucaena Hay

The increase in pineapple production has generated a large amount of waste, which, when incorporated into the soil, can lead to contamination and environmental degradation. In this context, this study highlights the innovative combination of pineapple waste and Leucaena hay, offering benefits for animal nutrition while reducing input costs. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional value of silage from ‘Pérola’ pineapple waste (PS) with different levels of Leucaena hay. A completely randomized design was adopted with six treatments (pre-wilted PS and PS with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% inclusion of Leucaena hay (LH)). The dry matter content of the silage, crude protein, lignin, and pH increased linearly (p &lt; 0.05) as a function of the inclusion of Leucaena hay, while buffering capacity, soluble carbohydrate content, and effluent losses showed an inverse relationship. As LH levels increased, ruminal DM disappearance decreased. Wilting the pineapple plant did not alter the in vitro gas production, in vitro digestibility of organic matter, partition factor (PF), and methane production when compared to the silages added with Leucaena hay. It is recommended to add 20% Leucaena hay in PS silage.

Ecological niche modeling to identify cultivation areas for pineapple in the Republic of Benin

Pineapple is one of the most important tropical fruit species, widely cultivated and economically important in Benin. This study aimed to identify potentially favorable areas for the cultivation of pineapple under current and future environmental conditions in Benin. The two cultivars of pineapple grown in Benin were separately considered: Sugarloaf and Smooth Cayenne. Five (05) modeling algorithms such as Maxent, Random Forest (RF), Support-Vector Machines (SVM), Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) and Generalized Linear Model (GLM) were compared using the criteria: area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, Cohen’s Kappa, deviance and True Skill Statistic (TSS). The future climate models available for Africa at horizon 2055 were used under the “Representative Concentration Pathways” scenario 4.5 and 8.5. Results suggested that pineapple suitable areas were governed by a combination of effects of climate (temperature and precipitation) and soils characteristics. Indeed, soil pH, temperature seasonality and precipitation of driest quarter were the main variables driving pineapple production in Benin. Results also indicated that RF was the most suitable technique to model the distribution of pineapples regardless of the variety. The current potential range of favorable areas for the two varieties was mainly found in the central and southern parts of the country. In the future, following the RCP4.5 scenario, there will be an increase in the area favorable for the cultivation of Smooth Cayenne variety by 5.28% compared to the current situation whereas, the area favorable for the cultivation of the Sugarloaf variety will be increased by 7.7%. However, suitable areas for cultivation of Smooth Cayenne and Sugarloaf following the RCP8.5 scenario will be increased, respectively by 21.82% and 31.64%. The low and medium suitability areas for the cultivation of smooth cayenne will decrease by 15.57% and 2.93%, respectively at the horizon 2055 with future conditions under RCP4.5, and 15.48% and 4.97%, respectively at the horizon 2055 with future conditions under RCP8.5. For sugarloaf, the low and medium suitable cultivation areas will decrease by 1.59% and 14.24, respectively at the horizon 2055 with future conditions under RCP4.5. According to RCP8.5, the low suitable areas will decrease by 5.08%. This study constitutes an initial step towards a sustainable scheme for planning exploration of the possibility of extending pineapple cultivation in Benin. Key words: Climate change, modeling, algorithms, pineapple, potential area distribution

Exploring Sustainable Agricultural Techniques for Enhanced Pineapple Production in the Municipality of Bataraza, Palawan

Exploring Sustainable Agricultural Techniques for Enhanced Pineapple Production in the Municipality of Bataraza, Palawan

Examining technical efficiency, prospects, and policies of farmers: data from a developing nation’s pineapple production

Examining technical efficiency, prospects, and policies of farmers: data from a developing nation’s pineapple production

Comparison of conventionally and organically grown pineapple in Sri Lanka: An integrative approach applying life cycle assessment and externalities

The pros and cons of the organic and conventional systems of pineapple cultivation have not been studied extensively. Non-consideration of full crop cycle and non-incorporation of environmental externalities are among the other gaps in research. The present study therefore compared Conventional Cultivation System (CCS) and Organic Cultivation System (OCS) of pineapple grown in Sri Lanka using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) under five impact categories considering system boundary from gate-to-gate and the full crop cycle. Economic analysis was conducted to determine the best system considering positive and negative externalities. Results showed 87% reduction of Global Warming Potential and 89% reduction of Eutrophication Potential under OCS. Higher toxicity potentials were reported under CCS while OCS resulted in zero toxicity. The net benefit for the farmer under OCS was higher. When the externalities were incorporated, the OCS showed a net gain of USD 8208 per ha while the CCS was no longer beneficial (USD -21,162 per ha). The study proposes economic instruments to incentivise farmers and emphasises the need to minimise adverse impacts of pesticides in sensitive locations. The study also highlights the potential of LCA studies when coupled with monetary values in guiding policy to incentivise farmers towards sustainable pineapple production.

Pineapple Production and Its Marketing Channels in Bangladesh: Present Status, Prospects and Challenges

Pineapple production offers a unique opportunity for the farmers due to the favorable climatic conditions in Bangladesh. Consequently, pineapple cultivation in Bangladesh round the year, has picked up on quite a large scale. The nutritional condition of Bangladeshi individuals who are severely malnourished may be improved by pineapple. Pineapple cultivation is trending upward. Producing pineapples on the same site benefits farmers significantly more than growing other crops. Also, high return in comparison to other existing crops, easy cultivation process, possibility of intercropping, favorable weather condition are the main reasons behind its increasing production. Growing demand for chemical-free farm fresh pineapples among consumers has led farmers to pursue balanced use of pesticides and ripening agents. However, the demand for fertilizers and other chemicals has been increasing. Despite the fact that farming has grown highly lucrative, there are apparently many marketing and production related challenges that farmers must overcome. It is necessary to enhance Bangladesh's pineapple production and marketing system for the benefit of both producers and consumers, as it is ineffective and disorganized. Policymakers, extension agents, researchers and other actively involved marketing professionals should provide feedback to enhance their approach for raising future fair pricing by increasing production and marketing effectiveness. Infrastructure and technological investments, marketing channel diversification, farmer capacity building, supportive legislative reforms and enhanced market intelligence systems to boost competitiveness should all be included in sustainable pineapple farming methods, which can make pineapple farming more profitable.

Pengembangan Kapasitas Kelompok Tani Tunas Makmur Dalam Pengelolaan Produk Nanas Di Kelurahan Sungai Pakning Kabupaten Bengkalis

This research was conducted because Sungai Pakning Village, Bengkalis Regency, was one of the areas that experienced land and forest fires that occurred in Riau Province in 2015. So far, peatland management has often failed, both by the government and companies. One of their failures is that they only focus on land restoration and ignore community empowerment. With the independent peat village program created by PT. Pertamina RU II Production, Sungai Pakning, Bengkalis Regency. Among the independent peat village programs, there is an environmental conservation program which has become the center of attention for environmental observers, namely the development of peat forests to manage pineapple products. This research aims to determine the capacity development of the Tunas Makmur Farmer group in managing pineapple products and to find out what are the supporting factors for capacity development in the Tunas Makmur Farmer group in Sungai Pakning, Bengkalis Regency. This research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method. Data was obtained through interviews and field observations. The results of this research show that the capacity development measure according to Ilato has demonstrated good capacity in aspects of organizational structure, decision making processes, work procedures and mechanisms and inter-organizational relationships. Good capacity development is supported by 1) facilities and infrastructure, which are being developed continuously, 2) good cooperation between various parties or institutions involved in developing the capacity of the Tunas Makmur Farmers Group.

Pineapple-based agroforestry in Bangladesh: Determinants of market choice and quantity of supply decision

Agroforestry is a land-use system integrating trees, crops, and sometimes livestock, offering a promising solution for both environment and agricultural resilience. The primary objectives of the study were to examine the determinants of market choice and quantity of market supply of pineapple in the agroforestry system in the Sal-forest under Tangail district in Bangladesh. Data were collected by using stratified randomly selected 200 pineapple farmers of Madhupur sub-district in Bangladesh and conducted 15 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 2 In-depth Interviews (IDIs). The study employed a multivariate probit model and multivariate linear regression. The pineapple farmers simultaneously selected 3 markets to maximize their profit: local market, district market and central market. Small and medium farmers are more likely to sell their products in local markets, and large farms are more likely to sell products in central and district markets. Multivariate probit regression analysis showed that training, farm size, and farmer ambition negatively influence local market selection by farmers. Ethnicity, training, experience, farm size, and knowledge of quality requirements had a positive influence on district market selection. Investment in production and uncertainty in buyers’ stability had a negative influence on central market selection. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that the age of respondents, total production, and association involvement positively impacted quantity of supply in the local market. Training, total production, and farmers’ ambition positively impacted district market supply. Farm size and average price of the pineapple positively impacted the quantity supply in the central market. The district and central markets offered better returns although several obstacles limited pineapple producers’ access to these markets. The uncertainty of buyers in accessing the central market (more profitable markets) needs to be addressed by stakeholders to encourage more agroforestry pineapple-based producers to select the right markets.

Dynamics of co-composting of pineapple harvest and processing residues with poultry litter and compost quality

The production of pineapple generates significant quantities of harvest and processing residues, which are very little used. This study evaluates compost quality using pineapple residues and poultry litter. Five composting treatments were tested, varying following proportions of crown, pineapple processing wastes (PPW), pineapple harvest residue (PHR), and poultry litter (PL). Various parameters were analyzed, including pH, electrical conductivity, CO2 evolution rate, water content, organic carbon, nitrogen compounds, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc. Additionally, the perceptions of producers and processors regarding compost quality were gathered. Results indicated that microbial decomposition increased temperature, pH, CO2 release, and nitrogen content while reducing electrical conductivity and organic carbon. Composts demonstrated favorable characteristics for crop fertilization, with C4 (75% PHR + 25% PL) compost showing the best chemical properties. Producers and processors preferred the color, odor, and structure of C4 (75% PHR + 25% PL) and C5 (56.25% crown + 18.75% PPW + 25% PL) composts. Overall, composting pineapple residues with poultry litter yields composts suitable for plant fertilization, particularly C4 and C5 formulations, offering potential for sustainable waste valorization in agriculture.

Mulching practices alter soil moisture, physico-chemical properties and pineapple (Smooth cayenne) yield

This field experiment was conducted in Chichu Kebele in the Dilla Zuria area from 2020 to 2023. The objective of the experiment was to determine the optimal mulching strategy for enhancing soil fertility and pineapple production by comparing three treatments (grass mulch, plastic mulch, and farmers’ practices without any mulch) using a RCB (Randomized Complete Block) design. The study’s findings showed that the treatments with plastic mulch had the greatest soil moisture content values (18.41%), while the treatments with no mulch had the lowest values (11.39%). Compared to mulched treatments, pineapple planted without mulch had the greatest bulk density values (1.43 g/cm3). Total nitrogen and organic carbon has increase by 34 and 25%, respectively due to plastic mulching. However, total nitrogen and organic carbon has increase by 43 and 37.5%, respectively due to grass mulching. Fruit length was larger by 42.7 and 33.2%, respectively due to plastic and grass mulch compared to the control. However, fruit girth was wider by 54.1 and 43.8%, respectively due to plastic and grass mulches compared to the control. The pineapple with the most fruit yield (71.39 t/ha), fruit length (17.4 cm), fruit girth (46.67 cm), and sucker number (15 pieces) was obtained using plastic mulching. However, pineapple grown without mulch had the lowest yield ever noted. Plastic mulch outperformed farmers’ practices and grass mulching in terms of conserving soil moisture, which increased yield and yield characteristics. For the baseline, the marginal rate of return generated by the plastic and grass mulch treatments was 118.5 and 93.65%, respectively. Thus, the study’s best recommendation for improving soils and achieving a high pineapple fruit yield is to grow pineapples using plastic mulch.

Optimization of Indonesian Pineapple Exports to Japan by Utilizing The Indonesia – Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA)

This study discusses the optimization of Indonesia's pineapple exports to Japan by leveraging the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA). Although Indonesia is the world's second-largest pineapple producer and Japan is one of the largest pineapple importers, Indonesia's pineapple exports to Japan are still ranked sixth, below five other competing countries. This research aims to identify factors that can enhance the effectiveness of utilizing the IJEPA in Indonesia's pineapple exports to Japan. This study employs a quantitative method by applying RCA analysis to measure comparative advantages in pineapple production, ECI analysis to evaluate export competitiveness based on product quality, price, services, marketing, production efficiency, and ease of doing business, and EPD analysis to evaluate export product performance based on market share position. The results of this research are expected to provide a deeper understanding of the utilization of the IJEPA so that exporters can optimize Indonesia's pineapple export volume to Japan. Additionally, it is hoped that Indonesian businesses can effectively utilize this agreement and achieve greater success in entering the Japanese pineapple market..

Amino acids production using pineapple plant stem by optimised one-step fermentation

BackgroundThe surge in global pineapple production has led to an excess of waste, demanding a sustainable approach for bioconversion. Despite its substantial volume, pineapple plant stems remain largely neglected, often discarded as on-farm waste. These stems, composed of intricate structures, necessitate a multi-step process for effective bioconversion. A promising alternative involves a single-step approach using microorganisms to combine hydrolysis and fermentation processes, yielding significant amino acid production from pineapple plant stems. This is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 13 in reducing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions from traditional waste disposal methods.ResultsThe utilisation of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051 for amino acid production demonstrated success, yielding 1.28 mg/mL of total free amino acids with a remarkable 67.13 mg/g yield. This represents a 13% increase in concentration and a 12% boost in yield compared to commercial starch. The study underscores the pivotal role of medium composition, highlighting the significance of pineapple plant stems as a substrate and other key components to enhance amino acid production.ConclusionNotably, the study achieved a substantial improvement in total amino acids production, reaching 9.57 mg/mL with a yield of 423.97 mg/g—an impressive 6.32-fold increment. This emphasises the enhanced potential of pineapple plant stems as a valuable resource for amino acid production, shedding light on the importance of optimising medium composition for maximum yield.Graphical

Listen to the other side: impact of supply chain integration practices on value chain performance of pineapple firms in Ghana

Improving the value chain of firms is major source of competitive advantage. Traditionally, firms use their knowledge of customer preferences to propose value to products. Often, these products do not meet customer expectations. While customers are part of a firm's value chain, other actors could provide solutions to existing product issues or launch a new product. Hence, narrowing down on the role of multiple actors can help managerial interventions improve value chain performance. This study explored the impact of supply chain integration practices (internal integration, supplier integration, consumer integration) on value chain performance with the boundary condition of information sharing. A sample of 271 actors in the value chain from pineapple firms in Ghana was used to test hypotheses. As predicted, supply chain integration practices related positively to value chain performance but the effect size differs. These positive relations are amplified by information sharing. The results imply that firms can reconceive products and markets with actors linked to productivity in the value chain. This study is among the earliest to investigate how supply chain integration practices improve value addition to products in the context of pineapple production, processing and consumption.