Sustainability from Soil to Snack - Meet Our New Pineapple Producers Vert!

Pineapple has been a best selling product for Tropical Wholefoods since its introduction into the range in the late 90s.  Unlike much of the dried pineapple traditionally found in UK shops, which is coated in sugar and preservatives, our sun dried pineapple pieces from Uganda were naturally sweet and tangy, capturing the full flavour of the ripened fresh fruit without additives. Organic and Fairtrade certifications further solidified our pineapple’s unique appeal. Unfortunately, covid’s impact on Uganda meant the end of our long partnership with Fruits of the Nile and, with it, our supply of pineapple. Though pineapple can be found in many tropical climates worldwide, we couldn’t replicate the taste of the fruit we, and our customers, loved. After searching for years we found a new supplier in East Africa that is ethically focused, sustainable and produces the zesty dried pineapple we’ve missed – and maybe some of the best we’ve ever tasted.

Vert Limited is a forward-thinking agricultural company from Kenya. Their focus is to build a fairer food system that uplifts smallholder farmers, champions women’s participation in agribusiness, and protects the planet through responsible farming. Founded in 2000, Vert has grown into a leader in Kenya’s horticulture sector, producing and exporting high-quality fresh produce and processed fruit products including dried pineapple, fruit purees, and fresh vegetables. They work with over 5,000 smallholder farmers across Kenya’s rural counties, and into Uganda to gain access to international markets and reliable income opportunities that were previously out of reach when selling to middle men who would offer inconsistent pricing. Their work connects farmers to buyers with fair pricing, capacity-building support, and training in best agricultural practices, ensuring that communities thrive alongside the company. By introducing fruit drying lines farmers can now sell more of their harvest instead of only what can be sold fresh. 

The company has driven significant increases in employment opportunities for women and younger people in agricultural processing, enabling more families to benefit economically. By creating opportunities through education and employment, Vert hopes they can help new generations develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed. They believe empowered women and young people are more likely to innovate, lead, and drive positive change in society. This focus helps nurture local leadership and economic independence and that has a ripple effect across entire communities.

Their operations promote organic and climate-smart farming practices, designed to conserve natural resources, reduce waste and improve soil health. By investing in sustainable techniques and responsible production, they’re ensuring that the land remains fertile and productive for future generations. This combination of ‘sustainability from soil to snack’ means you get premium fruit products that are not just delicious, but truly responsible.

Our partnership with Vert represents a conscious choice toward better-sourced, better-produced food and works towards our mission of building a better food system, together. We hope you enjoy a return to the East African sun. 

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You can find our Tropical Wholefoods Pineapple at independent health food stores, and online at equalexchange.co.uk.