World’s first zero-carbon pineapple

French importer SIIM has announced the arrival of the world’s first ‘Zero Carbon’ pineapple. By measuring and offsetting the carbon emissions from its plantations in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, to its platform in Rungis International Market in Paris, the Terrasol pineapple has been certified as carbon neutral by TUV Rheinland in the first half of 2021.

Vincent Omer-Decugis, chairman and CEO of Omer-Decugis & Cie, said:

“We are particularly proud to announce the arrival of the first zero-carbon pineapple in the world, from the farm to its final destination. This is the result of hard work and the mobilisation of all our teams, both in Ecuador and in France. It is a major step towards a more sustainable future, in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the UN for 2030.”

Grown at zero latitude on the side of the Andes, the pineapples benefit from an exceptional soil, ideal climatic conditions and the know-how of local producers. The pineapple has been marketed under the Terrasol brand since 1961 and has gained recognition in Europe for its sweet taste.

The emissions produced in the cultivation process have been offset by the conservation of the Tinajilla-Río Gualaceño protected area, located in the municipality of Limon Indanza. A cooperation agreement has reportedly been signed to preserve 1,986ha of primary forest.

The mayor of Limon Indanza, Erik Bustamante, stated:

“Thanks to the support of private companies, we have been able to preserve more than 32,000ha in our municipality and carry out concrete actions, such as the monitoring and control of species of flora and fauna and the establishment of educational programmes focused on conservation.”

The emissions generated by logistics, a total of 7,364 tonnes of CO2, were offset through a clean development project in Brazil.