In the early 2000s, the research and development team at Dole Food Company embarked on a bold mission — to reimagine what a pineapple could be. They wanted to create something new, something indulgent, yet unmistakably Dole. The goal was to craft a pineapple variety that pushed the boundaries of flavor while staying true to the company’s heritage of producing all-natural, non-GMO fruit.
The vision was to offer a fresh pineapple with a taste experience unlike anything on the market — a fruit that hinted at the flavors of coconut and piña colada, while maintaining the natural sweetness and acidity balance that Dole pineapples are known for. And if all went according to plan, the company hoped to unveil this groundbreaking variety just in time for the 125th anniversary of Dole’s global pineapple business in 2026.
Fifteen years later, that vision has become reality. After more than a decade of careful breeding, field trials, and refinement at Dole’s historic farm in La Ceiba, Honduras — the company’s oldest pineapple plantation in Latin America — Dole has officially introduced the DOLE® Colada Royale™ Pineapple.
A Taste of the Tropics, Perfected Naturally
The Colada Royale™ is not a genetically modified hybrid, but rather a conventionally bred variety of Ananas comosus that represents the pinnacle of natural cultivation. It stands out with a gold-to-green exterior, a creamy white interior, and a delicately balanced flavor profile that evokes coconut and tropical cocktails — delivering what Dole calls “the ultimate tropical eating experience.”
The new variety makes its official debut at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, held October 16–18, 2025, and will begin rolling out to supermarkets across North America later in the month.
According to Bil Goldfield, Dole’s Director of Communications, this pineapple reflects the company’s long-term commitment to innovation grounded in tradition. “We wanted to leverage our century of pineapple-growing experience in Hawaii and Latin America to create something truly extraordinary,” Goldfield said. “By combining natural breeding methods with a touch of creative flair, we developed a pineapple that’s premium in taste but accessible in price. The Colada Royale™ isn’t just a novelty — it’s Dole’s invitation to rediscover the tropical majesty of pineapples.”
He added that the Colada Royale™ will serve as a flagship variety for the brand, symbolizing Dole’s quasquicentennial celebration of 125 years of pineapple excellence in 2026.
The Science and Soul Behind the Colada Royale™
The Colada Royale™ also represents a personal triumph for Dr. Roberto Young, a Honduran native and Dole scientist whose dedication helped bring this fruit to life. After earning his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Crop and Soil Sciences from Michigan State University, Young returned to Honduras in 1997 to join Dole’s natural breeding program. Over the past 28 years, he has overseen countless experiments to improve pineapple flavor, texture, and sustainability — but none as meaningful as this one.
“As a breeder, much of what we do happens quietly, over many years,” said Young. “Creating a new hybrid can take 10, 12, or even 15 years, and only a fraction of the thousands we test ever reach the marketplace. The Colada Royale™ is special — it’s the culmination of patience, science, and passion. It will be my legacy.”
This project underscores Dole’s philosophy that innovation doesn’t always require genetic modification or artificial enhancement — sometimes, it’s about working in harmony with nature.
A Nutritional Boost with Every Bite
Beyond its exotic flavor, the Colada Royale™ delivers a strong nutritional profile consistent with Dole’s reputation for health-forward produce. Like Dole’s classic pineapple varieties, it’s rich in vitamin C, fiber, and bromelain — a natural enzyme that aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and supports immune function.
However, the Colada Royale™ stands apart in one surprising way: it contains 2.5 times more vitamin B6 per one-cup serving than standard pineapple varieties. This essential nutrient is crucial for brain and nervous system health, helps the body metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and supports the formation of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells.
“Consumers today are looking for fruits that not only taste indulgent but also deliver meaningful nutrition,” said Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, Dole’s Nutrition and Wellness Manager. “The Colada Royale™ does both — it’s a fruit that feels like a treat but still supports a healthy lifestyle.”
Recipes That Celebrate the Colada Royale™
To showcase the versatility of the new variety, Marcus and her team have developed five original recipes featuring the Colada Royale™. These include everything from grilled pineapple skewers and Colada Royale™ smoothies to pineapple-lime mocktails and caramelized pineapple tarts.
All of these recipes are available as part of a free digital recipe booklet, downloadable from the official Colada Royale™ webpage at The booklet also includes tips for selecting, cutting, and storing pineapples, along with nutritional facts and creative serving ideas.
Rooted in Responsibility: A Legacy of Community Support
While the Colada Royale™ is a culinary innovation, it’s also deeply connected to Dole’s commitment to social responsibility. The company has pledged to reinvest a percentage of proceeds from every Colada Royale™ sold into the creation of a new community center for farm workers and their families in La Ceiba, Honduras.
The center, which will be managed by the workers themselves, is designed to provide healthcare services, language classes, and vocational training, supporting both employees and the wider community.
This initiative continues a longstanding legacy of community investment that dates back more than a century. In 1924, Dole funded the Vicente d’Antoni Hospital in La Ceiba to serve banana workers. More recently, the company has partnered with MedShare to ship medical supplies and equipment to hospitals throughout Honduras.
“Dole’s heritage has always been about more than fruit,” Goldfield said. “It’s about the people who grow it. The Colada Royale™ allows us to celebrate innovation and give back to the communities that make our success possible.”
A Global Launch with Local Flavor
To support the launch, Dole is rolling out an integrated marketing campaign that spans print, digital, and social media. The campaign will feature a mix of storytelling, recipes, and behind-the-scenes content highlighting the history, people, and passion behind the Colada Royale™.
Consumers can expect in-store sampling events, eye-catching point-of-sale displays, and a strong presence at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, where Dole will showcase the fruit’s unique flavor and nutritional benefits to buyers, retailers, and media.
The Colada Royale™ is more than a new product — it’s a symbol of Dole’s enduring commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. From the fields of Honduras to supermarket shelves across North America, it represents a journey of taste, science, and purpose that spans generations.
As the company prepares to mark 125 years of pineapple excellence, Dole’s message is clear: the future of fruit is bright, flavorful, and rooted in care — and the Colada Royale™ Pineapple is just the beginning.
