Panamanian MD2 pineapple continues to gain ground in international markets with the shipment of 1,680 boxes to Saudi Arabia, in an operation that represents the third commercial container exported by the company Dulces Tropical to this Middle Eastern destination. The shipment was prepared with the participation of collaborating producers Kimberly Rudas and Eduardo Borges, who were in charge of the packing logistics for this new export operation. The Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) reported that personnel from the La Chorrera Agency, with the support of Plant Health in West Panama, carried out the phytosanitary inspection of the product, verifying the quality of the fruit and compliance with the safety, hygiene and standards required by the destination country.
This shipment corresponds to the third commercial container to Saudi Arabia, following the favorable results obtained during the trial exports, which allowed this market to be consolidated as a new opportunity for Panamanian pineapple in the Middle East region. MIDA highlighted that the opening and consolidation of new export destinations strengthens the competitiveness of the national agricultural sector, generating opportunities for producers and exporting companies, in addition to expanding the presence of Panamanian products in international trade.
The Panamanian MD2 pineapple, also called the Golden Sweet, is a premium extra-sweet fruit grown primarily in La Chorrera and West Panama. It features rich volcanic soils, high sugar levels reaching 15 to 17 degrees Brix, low acidity, and a bright golden shell.
Growing Conditions and Quality
- Volcanic soil: Rich land in regions like La Chorrera provides ideal nutrients and drainage.
- High sweetness: Sugar content regularly exceeds global averages (15–17 Brix).
- Low acidity: Offers a smooth, sweet taste without a sharp tang.
- Year-round harvest: Panama’s steady tropical climate allows continuous production.
Export and Logistics
- Main destinations: Traditionally shipped heavily to Europe (especially Spain), with expanding markets in North America and the Middle East.
- Cold chain: Fruit is cooled rapidly post-harvest to 7–8°C for transit.
- Shipping times: Ocean transit takes roughly 5 to 8 days to reach Canada.
The MD2 pineapple name originally comes from Millie Dillard, the wife of the general manager of the Maui Pineapple Company. Originally bred as code 73-114 by the Pineapple Research Institute in Hawaii, it was named MD-2 in her honor before being commercialized by Del Monte as the “Gold Extra Sweet” variety.
Characteristics of MD2 Pineapples
- Flavor Profile: High sweetness with very low acidity.
- Appearance: Bright golden-yellow flesh and a square-shouldered, symmetrical shape.
- Market Impact: It accounts for over half of the global fresh pineapple market because it handles long-distance shipping and storage well.
The MD2 pineapple is a popular hybrid variety known for being very sweet, less acidic, and juicy. Also called the “Golden Sweet” or “Super Sweet” pineapple, it has bright yellow flesh and a longer shelf life than older types, making it the most common export pineapple in stores today.
Key Features
- High sweetness: Measures high on the Brix sugar scale (14–16).
- Low acid: Mildly acidic, meaning it does not sting the tongue as much when eaten fresh.
- Vitamin C: Contains up to four times more vitamin C than traditional varieties.
- Texture: Less fibrous with smooth, golden flesh.
History and Uses
- Origin: Developed through selective breeding starting in the 1960s and launched globally by Del Monte in the 1990s.
- Best uses: Eaten raw as a fresh snack, or used in juices, smoothies, and desserts.
