The Fate of Pineapple Production in Hawaii: Dole's Shift and Global Dynamics
As of late 2023, Dole Food Company no longer primarily grows pineapples in Hawaii. The decision to cease pineapple production in 2020 reflects a broader trend in the agricultural sector, driven by economic factors such as labor costs. This shift has significant implications for both the local economy and the pineapple market as a whole.
New Global Landscape for Pineapple Production
The move by Dole has seen a dramatic shift in production locations. While Dole still maintains a presence on Oahu, primarily focusing on tourism, the emphasis has shifted from production to other regions where labor costs are significantly lower. This strategic change is part of a larger trend of companies seeking ways to reduce operational costs and increase efficiency.
According to recent reports, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, the global market for pineapple production is no longer dominated by Hawaii. Today, approximately 85% of the world's pineapples are grown in Costa Rica, underscoring the global shift in agricultural economics.
The History of Pineapple Production in Hawaii
The history of pineapple production in Hawaii is a tale of economic boom and bust. Just a few decades ago, pineapple was a significant part of Hawaii's agricultural landscape. However, with the U.S. opening its imports to territorial and foreign pineapples and sugar, the local market for these products significantly declined. This event effectively marked the beginning of the end for large-scale pineapple production.
While small-scale production continues, the scale and economic impact have drastically shrunk. As one local resident noted, 'It is about a tenth of what it used to be, 35 years ago.' The decrease in production is largely attributed to higher labor costs in Hawaii compared to other countries.
The Presence of Dole Today
Despite the shift in production, Dole still has a significant presence in Hawaii, albeit not in the traditional large-scale commercial fields. The company now focuses on tourism, with their Dole Plantation being a key attraction on the highway in Central Oahu. Dole also provides fresh and packaged pineapples to tourists, primarily through their gift shops in airports. While the heavy commercial production is gone, the company still contributes to the local economy through tourism and direct sales to consumers.
Home Gardening and Local Markets
For those who wish to grow their own pineapples, it is entirely possible and relatively simple. Despite the reduced commercial production, there is still a commercial farm in Oahu where people can grow their own pineapples. This small-scale production is complemented by the local market, where many Hawaiian residents grow their own for personal consumption.
The shift in pineapple production from Hawaii to other regions has changed the landscape of the local economy. While Dole's decision to cease large-scale production in Hawaii reflects a broader global trend, it also highlights the economic impact of labor costs on local industries. The story of pineapple production in Hawaii is one of adaptation and change, driven by the need to remain competitive in a global market.