BanaBay, a leading producer and importer of Ecuadorian bananas, is introducing pineapples to its tropical fruit portfolio.

Following substantial growth and success managing its global banana supply, a company spokesperson told www.freshfruitportal.com about a new venture to grow and distribute the MD2 Golden variety of pineapple.

She said the newly-established BanaBay North America Operations was making significant headway in opening up markets for the brand in the U.S.

"The U.S. team already have their first shipment en route and a strong pipeline with several exciting new leads," she said.

"Excitingly, the company, whose exceptional growth has been based on its premium quality Ecuadorian bananas, has now introduced pineapples to its portfolio.

"They will also be sourced from plantations in Ecuador, where BanaBay will have its own dedicated hectares. This will enable BanaBay to control the size, color, brix and acidity of the fruit whilst delivering the same direct sourcing advantages to customers, ensuring consistency of quality and continuity of supply."

News of BanaBay's new pineapple supply has been well received with existing clients in Malta showing interest. Wholesale partners Mafimex, which already receives four banana containers per week for supply to supermarket chain Pavi as well as major hotels and restaurants on the Mediterranean island, could soon be importing pineapple volumes.

An initial container of pineapples is also due to arrive in New Zealand for trial by leading supermarket Countdown, already an established customer for BanaBay bananas. A further container is also heading for the U.S.

Since its launch in the U.K. in 2012, BanaBay has grown to ship more than 5.7 million bananas a week to countries including Malta, Egypt, New Zealand and China.

In addition to adding pineapples to its basket of fruit, the company is also focusing on strengthening links with Asia and will be reaching out to clients at Fruit Logistica Asia later this year.

"We are delighted with our continued growth. Within less than two years we have built our business from one container of fruit into the U.K. to 20 containers of bananas per week to customers on a global platform," said BanaBay managing director Mark O'Sullivan.

"What has set us apart from our larger competitors, apart from the outstanding taste and quality of the fruit, is the direct sourcing opportunity we offer as the grower and an exceptional commitment to highly flexible and very reliable customer service.

"Our interest is not simply in securing contracts, but also in supporting our customers to increase sales by raising awareness and demand for BanaBay fruit amongst end consumers."

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