The quest for authentic products and commodities is universal. Shoppers consistently seek genuine, special items, and organic products are particularly prized. This is especially true for food, where purity and authenticity are paramount. Ghana, renowned for its organic pineapples, is a leading supplier to the European market. Ranking 11th globally in pineapple exports, Ghana’s production has faced fluctuations due to various factors. Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities to stabilize and grow this vital sector .

The Current Problems

Tiani is a farmer working on Ghanaian pineapple farms; from 2021 on, pineapple production is failing. Their limited profitability leads to an awful standard of living. While rainfall patterns changed, temperatures—both minimum and maximum—rose in districts that grew pineapple between 1995 and 2014.”Back then, the rains came on time, and the yields were abundant. Now, we struggle with inconsistent weather and poor returns,” he laments. Pineapple production dropped 0.3% to 678,000 metric tonnes in 2022, and in 2021, Ghana’s worldwide pineapple exports dropped by 6% in value compared to 2020.

Environmental Challenges – The considerable rainfall variance that arose over the past two decades, in conjunction with the rise in temperature, has had an effect on pineapple yields. The lowest temperature significantly affects pineapple production, accounting for up to 82% of the output fluctuation.

Need for Training and Financial Support – There is a need for adequate training, as Tiani mentioned; many of them don’t have sufficient skills, and they particularly want financial help for the expansion of their manufacturing output. Despite the fact that farming will always require expensive fertilizers, there are no appropriate subsidies. In addition, there was a substantial demand for smooth cayenne spices among consumers all over the world. However, as this demand shifts to MD2, problems arise with the quality of the inputs, particularly pineapple suckers. This has led to a decrease in the number of skilled workers engaged in smooth cayenne pepper cultivation, resulting in a reduction in production. The slow adaptation to the preferred MD2 pineapple variety in Europe affects productivity.

Infrastructure and Operational Challenges- “Look, we don’t have electricity now, and we often encounter this issue, which also affects manufacturing and cold chain facilities due to fluctuations in the electricity supply,” remarked Tiani’s brother. It is inefficient to perform procedures that include pre-cooling. Tiani’s brother, Kwame, adds, “Just last week, we lost a whole batch because the power went out. It’s a constant struggle.”

The farm owner is also dissatisfied with his failing business. He runs a small business and lacks the funds to invest in training this impoverished farmer. Additionally, fluctuations in demand from the European Union present significant challenges for exporters like him. Proper techniques are essential to preserving fruit quality. Harvesting and post-harvest handling are becoming more expensive for him because of the temperature.

Scope

People cannot solve the temperature or climate problem on their own, but as they struggle with preservation, they require proper research assistance. Additionally, they require collaboration or an investor who can train farmers in proper cultivation techniques. Investors or collaboration are needed to solve the electricity problem.

Insights in scope: Most farms, including farmers, primarily focus on cultivating smooth cayenne due to the high demand for this product in previous years. Since there are many smooth cayenne pineapple farms, cultivating MD2 pineapple offers a competitive advantage due to the limited number of competitors. This presents an opportunity for outsiders to establish a business focused on MD2 cultivation, working with properly trained farmers.

Why investors should grab the opportunity

Firstly, pineapples are not only tasty but also nutritious. One cup (165 grammes) of pineapple chunks has 82.5 calories, 0.198 grams of fat, 0.891 grams of protein, 21.6 grams of carbohydrates, and 2.31 grams of fiber. This tropical fruit is rich in vitamin C, with 78.9 milligrams, or 88% of the daily lue. It provides considerable levels of manganese, vitamin B6, copper, thiamine, folate, potassium, magnesium, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, iron, and trace amounts of phosphorus, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A and K.

Pineapples contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic substances, that lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Pineapples’ bound antioxidants persist longer. Pineapples also contain bromelain, which aids meat digestion, making them a popular addition to meat meals. Pineapples exhibit remarkable versatility, enabling their use in a wide range of delectable dishes. Pineapple is in high demand worldwide due to its nutritional value and its versatility in various dishes.

The top importers of pineapples globally are the United States, China, Japan, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The United States leads with $887.1 million in pineapple imports, accounting for 32.6% of the world’s total. China follows with $179.5 million (6.6%), Japan with $143.2 million (5.3%), Belgium with $142.4 million (5.2%), and the Netherlands with $140.9 million (5.2%).

Belgium remains the primary market for Ghanaian pineapples, absorbing close to 34.6% of the total exports in 2021. Europe, in general, is a significant importer, with countries like France and the UK also purchasing Ghanaian pineapples. Additionally, emerging markets include Turkey, the Seychelles, and the Middle East. Though the production of Ghanaian pineapples has decreased, the demand for Ghanaian pineapples is still high.

Ghana is famous for its organic pineapples. Organic pineapples are nutrient-dense and healthy. They promote immunity, heal wounds, and protect against oxidative damage with vitamin C. Bromelain in pineapples breaks down proteins and reduces bloating, and its anti-inflammatory qualities aid arthritis and joint discomfort.

Pineapples contain potassium, which lowers blood pressure and stroke risk. Pineapple vitamin C boosts collagen formation for skin and wound healing, while beta-carotene improves eyesight. Moderate pineapple consumption may add flavor and nutrition to a healthy diet.

Therefore, seizing this scope presents a wonderful opportunity for every investor to build a successful business.

How should investors start their business to ensure success

Training the poor framers and enhancing their skills is crucial, followed by launching a business that caters to the current demand. Providing them intensive training on sustainable agriculture techniques, including soil conservation and pest management, is undoubtedly a great opportunity for newcomers to capture the current market.

Establishing a research field in Ghana that concentrates on the quality and innovation of the pineapple sector presents a significant opportunity. Innovative cultivation techniques, post-harvest handling, and research will enhance productivity. Investors can invest in quality control measures to ensure consistent product quality. Certified organic pineapple has a huge demand, and obtaining certifications (such as organic or fair trade) will appeal to international markets.

Furthermore, there is room for joint ventures and partnerships. Form partnerships with established companies in pineapple-importing countries. Collaborate on production, distribution, and marketing efforts. Leverage existing trade agreements or negotiate new ones to facilitate exports.

Seizing this scope presents a wonderful opportunity for investors to build a successful business. Farmers like Tiani are looking for new opportunities that will improve their livelihoods, and with the right investments and training, the Ghanaian pineapple sector can thrive. “We have the land and the will,” Tiani says with hope. “We just need the knowledge and support to make our pineapples the best in the world.”