U.S. pineapple importer Kingston & Associates Marketing LLC is exploring sourcing the fruit from other central American markets, following the appointment of a new product manager.

Kingston was one of the first importers of MD2 Golden Pineapples from Costa Rica 12 years ago and is one of the U.S.'s largest privately owned fresh produce companies.

President Ken Nabal said he saw fresh cut pineapple segments as a growth area and that the new product manager Yvonne Marpert would be looking at developing new markets.

"We are bringing her in to extend our pineapple program. She may help us get involved with other import programs. We have relationships with growers in Panama and Mexico."

Marpet will concentrate on making the most of Kingston's core markets which include restaurants, luxury cruise liners, major distributors as well as helping the food company open up retail markets.

Marpert's appointment will mean a new sales office opening in Cincinnati next month in addition to existing operations in Florida, Idaho and California.

Kingston also imports mangoes from Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and Guatemala and plans to increase its tropical category this year.

The company has 37 years experience in the procurement and sales industry with potatoes and onions it's largest largest procurements produce category; it also has associated companies in cold storage and logistics.

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