The GMO High-Risk List: Pineapple

On October 13, 2020, fruit giant Del Monte Fresh released its Pinkglow pineapple, which is genetically modified to produce pink flesh. With price points as high as $29–39 depending on your location, Pinkglow is beyond many consumers’ budget. However, exclusivity suits Del Monte just fine, as Pinkglow is mostly marketed for its novelty and social media appeal.

Why is it pink?

Del Monte reportedly worked on the pink pineapple for 16 years before its release. Already a dominant force in the fruit industry, they were looking for “a niche product that could expand the market for pineapple.” The rest of the world’s pineapples, including the millions already grown and sold by Del Monte each year, are yellow-fleshed.

Pinkglow’s appeal seems to rest largely on its social media potential. A 2024 pineapple giveaway required entrants to like photos of the hashtagged GMO on Instagram and tag three friends in the comments. The product’s website encourages you to “become the envy of your friends and followers with this highly sought-after delicacy. Pinkglow™ will look phenomenal on whatever social media platform is en vogue by the time you read this.”