Fresh Del Monte’s Rubyglow Pineapple Wins Best Food Innovation at World Food Innovation Awards 2025
Fresh Del Monte Produce Wins Best Food Inc. (NYSE: FDP), one of the world’s foremost vertically integrated producers, marketers, and distributors of premium fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, has proudly announced a major industry accolade. The company’s Rubyglow® pineapple, its most exclusive and visually striking fruit to date, has been awarded “Best Food Innovation” at the 2025 World Food Innovation Awards, hosted by FoodBev Media.
The World Food Innovation Awards, an annual celebration of cutting-edge developments in the global food and beverage industry, recognizes outstanding products that demonstrate exceptional innovation, sustainability, and consumer appeal. The awards are judged by a panel of leading experts from across the sector, who evaluate entries based on creativity, functionality, environmental impact, and market potential. The Rubyglow® pineapple stood out among hundreds of global entries, earning high praise for its bold appearance, luxurious branding, and impressive agricultural science.
The Rubyglow® pineapple is the result of over 15 years of research and development by Fresh Del Monte’s agricultural innovation team. It represents a carefully cultivated cross between a traditional pineapple and the Morada variety—a red-skinned fruit that is typically inedible. The result is a pineapple like no other: its deep ruby-red outer shell contrasts dramatically with the citrine-yellow flesh inside, offering a tropical, smooth flavor profile with low acidity. This refined taste, combined with its rare visual appeal, elevates the Rubyglow® pineapple into a class of its own in the fresh produce market.
“This recognition from the World Food Innovation Awards affirms our leadership in the pineapple category and highlights our relentless commitment to agricultural excellence,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Del Monte. “The Rubyglow® pineapple is not just a fruit—it’s a symbol of our dedication to premium quality, consumer experience, and pushing the boundaries of innovation in the produce industry. We’re honored to receive this award and proud to introduce such a groundbreaking product to the global market.”
The exclusivity of the Rubyglow® pineapple is underscored by its retail price—an eye-catching $395 per fruit. This price point reflects its rarity, beauty, and the painstaking agricultural process behind its production. Unlike conventional pineapples, the Rubyglow® variety requires nearly two years to grow under carefully managed conditions. Using only traditional crossbreeding methods and avoiding genetic modification, the fruit demands expert care throughout its development, from soil preparation to harvest. Additionally, the limited availability of viable seeds further restricts supply, contributing to its elite status in the market.
Initially launched in China, the Rubyglow® pineapple was met with overwhelming demand. The first shipment sold out rapidly, and since then, global interest has only intensified. It is now available in select markets in North America and Europe, where it continues to command attention from upscale retailers, chefs, and fruit connoisseurs alike. Waitlists for the Rubyglow® pineapple are growing, with customers eager to experience this rare and elegant fruit.
The Rubyglow® is the latest innovation in a long line of specialty pineapples developed by Fresh Del Monte. Other notable varieties include the Pinkglow® pineapple, which features naturally pink flesh; the Honeyglow® pineapple, known for its extraordinary sweetness; and the Del Monte Zero® pineapple, a climate-smart fruit grown with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. These innovations are part of Fresh Del Monte’s broader commitment to offering premium fruit experiences while advancing sustainability and agricultural science.
“Our fruit innovation strategy focuses on creating differentiated, high-value offerings that meet the evolving preferences of today’s consumers,” said Pablo Rivero, Vice President of Marketing at Fresh Del Monte. “Whether it’s eye-catching colors, unique flavor profiles, or sustainable growing practices, we are continually seeking new ways to elevate the consumer’s interaction with fruit. Rubyglow® represents the pinnacle of that mission—it’s an unforgettable sensory experience from the first glance to the last bite.”
At the 2025 World Food Innovation Awards ceremony, Daniel Bunt, Marketing Director of FoodBev Media and host of the event, praised the breadth and quality of this year’s submissions. “This year has brought a remarkable showcase of creativity and ingenuity from across the global food and beverage landscape,” Bunt remarked. “From sustainability pioneers to flavor innovators, every finalist brought something unique to the table. The Rubyglow® pineapple captured our judges’ attention with its stunning appearance, meticulous craftsmanship, and market buzz. The turnout at this year’s event reflects the industry’s ongoing hunger for innovation, and Fresh Del Monte clearly delivered with this exceptional product.”
As Fresh Del Monte continues to expand the Rubyglow® pineapple’s availability, the company invites fruit lovers, culinary professionals, retailers, and industry partners to experience this award-winning fruit firsthand. Its luxurious presence and exceptional quality make it an ideal centerpiece for gourmet dishes, upscale gift baskets, and exclusive dining experiences. The Rubyglow® pineapple not only redefines the aesthetics of fruit but also sets a new benchmark for premium produce around the world.
In addition to its appeal to consumers, the Rubyglow® pineapple offers strong market potential for retailers seeking unique, high-margin offerings that stand out in a competitive produce aisle. Its visual impact, social media appeal, and limited availability position it as a must-have for trend-conscious shoppers and luxury gift buyers.
Looking ahead, Fresh Del Monte remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the fresh produce space. With research facilities and agricultural teams working across the globe, the company continues to explore new varieties, sustainable practices, and flavor enhancements. The success of the Rubyglow® pineapple affirms the effectiveness of this strategy and provides a strong foundation for future breakthroughs.
For more information about the Rubyglow® pineapple, including availability and partnership opportunities, visit Fresh Del Monte’s official website or contact their global marketing team. As demand continues to rise, the company is working diligently to scale production while maintaining the fruit’s unparalleled quality and exclusivity.
