Dole Made A Pineapple That Tastes Like A Piña Colada
We’re used to food brands blending flavors. But I can’t recall ever hearing about a brand inventing its own fruit species. Dole Food Company, maker of fresh, packaged, and frozen fruit products, has done just that. The company has announced Colada Royale, a brand new pineapple variety that combines regular pineapple with hints of coconut. It’s essentially a piña colada-flavored pineapple.
So how did they do it? Well, research and development began in Honduras over 15 years ago in the early 2000s. The company has toiled behind the scenes for years, in hopes of introducing it in 2026, which is its 125th Anniversary. Well, here we are approaching 2026, and Dole has pulled it off. The Colada Royale officially began arriving in stores throughout North America recently.
“Our new Colada Royale Pineapple is not just a novelty or publicity gimmick; it’s Dole’s long-term strategy for getting more people to embrace the tropical majesty of pineapples with a luxurious new taste experience that leaves you wanting more,” said Bil Goldfield, Dole’s director of communications.
Mindfully cultivated by Roberto Young, who oversees Dole’s natural pineapple-breeding program, the Colada Royale offers the same health benefits as regular pineapple—anti-inflammation, antioxidants, and improved digestion. According to the press release, a 1 cup serving contains 2 ½-times more vitamin B6 than regular pineapple.
To celebrate the announcement, Dole has shared five new recipes that showcase the Colada Royale:
- Pineapple and Coconut Carpaccio
- Basil-Wrapped Pineapple with Pine Zest
- Bruleed Pineapple with Coconut Cream and Macadamias
- Spicy Yuzu-Pineapple Prosecco Punch
- Pineapple & White Chocolate Mousse Cups with Coconut Crisps
To learn more about how the Colada Royale was created, click here.
