Shoppers Name Dole’s Colada Royale Pineapple the Best New Fresh Fruit Product of 2026
February 23, 2026 | 4 min to read
Naturally bred pineapple offering flavor notes of coconut is the only fresh produce item to be honored in 2026 BrandSpark International and Newsweek Awards
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fresh off its debut late last year and flurry of exceedingly positive media, influencer and consumer reviews, the DOLE®Colada Royale Pineapple has been named a 2026 Best New Product Awards Winner in the 18th annual 2026 Best New Product Awards™, according to a 2026 BrandSpark® survey of shoppers conducted by Newsweek.
Dole’s conventionally bred new pineapple offering distinct notes of coconut, reminiscent of piña colada, was among 43 new food and beverage products awarded by BrandSpark International and Newsweek in 2026 and the only fresh fruit or vegetable to be honored.
Considered one of North America’s most credible consumer-voted awards for new products, the Best New Product Awards asked 10,000 American shoppers to purchase, use and review products in 112 categories.
The prestigious award comes as Dole Food Company announces plans for its 125th Pineapple Crowning Anniversary in 2026 celebrating its 125 years in the pineapple business dating back to Jim Dole’s launch on Oahu in 1901.
Gold-to-green on the outside with a lighter cream-colored inside, the non-GMO DOLE® Colada Royale Pineapple was developed over the course of 15 years at Dole’s oldest pineapple farm in La Ceiba, Honduras, to appeal to those seeking the ultimate tropical eating indulgence. In addition to flavor resembling a piña colada, it delivers all the expected health benefits of Dole’s other fresh pineapples—improved digestion, reduced inflammation and protection against chronic diseases—as well as two and a half times more vitamin B per 1-cup serving than other varieties.
According to Bil Goldfield, Dole’s director of communications, the award is acknowledgment of the years of tireless work by Dole’s pineapple R&D breeding team in Honduras led by Roberto Young, a Honduran native who has overseen the program since 1997.
“Our intent was to leverage our century and a quarter of pineapple-growing experience in Hawaii and Latin America to create an exceptional premium pineapple so luxurious in its taste experience it leaves you wanting more,” said Goldfield. “Since the Colada Royale has already become one of the most successful launches in Dole Food Company history, it appears we have achieved this goal.”
The Colada Royale was also recognized with the 2026 Best Product Promo Award in the Fresh Ideas Showcase at the International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce and Floral Show.
For information on DOLE® Colada Royale Pineapple, visit the Colada Royale webpage.
About Dole plc
Dole plc, is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Operating in more than 70 countries, Dole is an industry leader in many of the products it sells, as well as in nutrition education.