Pineapple block farms and SIPP
Our successful projects for healthy growth
It's all about teamwork - the pineapple block farms and SIPP (Special Initiative for Pineapple Producers) are a unique and successful project that ensures the supply of raw materials to the factories by actively supporting and promoting local small-scale pineapple farmers.
Our dried pineapple would only taste half as good if the fruit we use to make it wasn't so juicy and sweet. That's why we empower our farmers wherever we can: With knowledge, tractor service, seedlings and training. Not only so that our customers receive the best product in the end - but also so that our farmers can make a good living from their work, plan ahead and fulfil all the conditions for a successful harvest.
We have established two systems for our pineapple farmers: Pineapple Block Farms and the Special Initiative for Pineapple Producers (SIPP). The pineapple block farms serve as an incubator for the SIPP. Why? Because pineapple production is a long-term project: it takes 2 years from seedling to dried pineapple. This means planning and organisation to ensure that the right amount of pineapple arrives at the factory at the right time. And this is how it works.
Pineapple block farms
The basis for independent cultivation
Each block farm consists of ten different "blocks", which is where the name comes from. Each "block" corresponds to approximately half a hectare of land, which is cultivated by one farmer. The block farms bring pineapple farmers together, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and materials and enable sustainable agriculture. This creates new jobs, benefits the environment, the farmers and therefore also the quality of the fruit and ensures the supply of raw materials for our factory.
Block farming as a start-up
With the block farms, we offer young farmers a starter package. If it supports for the community, we take over their lease for 3 years at the beginning. As part of the block farming programme, they then learn everything they need from HPW to be able to harvest successfully at the end.
They are provided with tools for preparing the farmland, plant material and operating resources financed in advance. The small pre-financing loans are paid back by the farmers on an ongoing basis through the income from the harvests. As our smallholders gain a foothold in pineapple production, they receive regular technical support from our team of agronomists. This takes place either directly in the field or in the form of further training courses in the HPW training rooms.
Of around 30 farmers who start pineapple production and manage the block farms, around 4-5 switch to the SIPP programme after a successful season and thus become regular producers for HPW. If the harvest is not productive after the first round of block farming, there is the option of doing a second round and then switching to the SIPP programme.
The HPW SIPP programme
Growth through teamwork.
Once the pineapple block farm has been successfully completed, our smallholders join the SIPP programme and are thus integrated into our supplier network on a long-term basis. The cooperation remains close, we plan the harvest together and support the farmers with agronomists on site.
We provide them with production equipment and tractor services for ploughing. Thanks to the close support and mutual assistance, everyone involved benefits in the end. A goal that we strive for in everything we do.
