December 17, 2024 | The Nation |
A Phuket social enterprise has transformed local pineapples into premium Chinese New Year gifts, boosting farmer incomes and promoting sustainability. Initially priced at 1,500 baht in 2017, the gifts became a symbol of luck and prosperity. By 2019, select sets included gold pendants and were priced at 15,430 baht, reflecting Phuket's total length in meters. This year, affordable 235-baht sets aim to reach wider audiences alongside the Phuket Pineapple Festival. Grown in rubber plantations, the iconic "Phuket pineapple" boasts a unique flavor and texture, earning its title as the "Queen of Andaman Fruits." Beyond gifts, the enterprise promotes pineapple-based products like juice, soap, and cosmetics to maximize benefits for farmers and communities.
