Puerto Rico Before Dole Food Company
🇵🇷 Puerto Rico & Pineapple Production
    * Pineapples were grown on the island well before large U.S. corporations entered the picture, with cultivation dating back to Spanish colonial times.
    * By the late 1800s–early 1900s, Puerto Rico already had established pineapple farming, especially for local use and some export.
Puerto Rico was once a serious player in pineapple cultivation, especially in the early–mid 20th century. Regions like Manatí, Arecibo, and Lajas had strong production. However:
* Pineapple farming declined due to high labor costs, industrial shifts, and competition from larger producers.
* Today, Puerto Rico grows pineapples on a much smaller, local scale, often focused on quality over volume.
* Local varieties are prized for sweetness and low acidity, making them ideal for fresh consumption and artisanal products 🍍