Two varieties are commercially grown in South Africa - the Smooth leaf Cayenne and the Queen. The Cayenne is the largest crop and is the only variety suitable for canning.

Pineapple plantings may be made from any of the vegetative parts of the plant - tops (the crown of leaves), slips and suckers. Tops and slips are most commonly planted, with tops being the most preferred by growers.

The pineapple grows on the central stem of the plant with only one fruit borne on each plant. Each plant produces suckers and these grow on the leaf axil off the parent stem. These suckers subsequently produce a second or "ratoon" crop of fruit. The first and second crops normally constitute the commercial yield of the plant.

In South Africa, pineapples flower within 14 to 20 months of planting. Summer fruit takes about five months to mature and winter fruit can take up to seven months. The first ratoon crop is usually harvested after 18 to 24 months after plant crop and the two crop cycle can take up to four years.

Land for pineapple farming is chosen on the basis of elevation, aspect, soil and drainage. The amount of fertiliser required for maximum yield is determined by regular soil and leaf analysis.

Quality control procedures are in place at every stage of Summerpride's operations from farms where the fruit is grown and harvested, to the factory where it is processed and distributed. On the farm, quality control starts with attention to location, soil type, time of harvesting and expedient fruit delivery.

Inside the Cannery, the quality assurance programmes include the testing of packaging and the contents, to ensure they conform with international quality standards as well as HACCP rules and regulations.

Independent inspectors, appointed by the South African Department of Agriculture, authorise each and every export shipment and in addition, specialised scientific equipment is used to ensure that products are free from contamination.

The canned pineapple products manufactured by Summerpride Foods are extremely good for you. They can be eaten all year round - even when not in season - and always taste great. Pineapple, with its bromaline content is known to assist digestion and is completely fat free, and full of dietary fibre.

We were the first cannery in the world to be Eurepgap accredited. Their aim is to ensure integrity, transparency and harmonisation of global agricultural standards. This includes the requirements for safe food that is produced respecting worker health, safety and welfare, environmental and animal welfare issues.