Maui Pineapple Company Provides Exclusive Tour to Media Guests

Maui, Hawaii (PRWEB) July 13, 2007

A group of food media, editors and journalists, in town for the 27th Annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, were treated to an exclusive pineapple farm tour and luncheon on June 29, 2007, courtesy of Maui Pineapple Company of Maui, Hawaii (http://www.MauiPineapple.com).

The journalists came from around the country, from various media outlets that are regularly seen and/or heard by more than 2 million consumers. Upscale lifestyle magazines focused on the best in food, travel and modern living like Preferred Lifestyles, C Magazine (California Magazine), Millionaire Magazine, Marin Magazine and Spirit of Aloha were all represented. The website Gayot.com chronicles better living online with its Guide to the Good Life, and A Matter of Taste radio show on KQKE/The Quake speaks about food, wine and travel to San Francisco Bay area consumers.

The group began the journey in a truly authentic plantation vehicle called the Pineapple Express -- a yellow school bus painted with the Maui Pineapple Company insignia, which transports field workers between their housing and the fields. The bus toured the group through the lush fields, which cover over 3,000 acres on the slopes of the West Maui mountains above the Kapalua Resort (http://www.Kapalua.com).

The writers observed firsthand the fields in different stages of development, from newly planted fields to mature plants with fruit ready for harvest. The tour was lead by the Director of Harvesting, Rudy Balala and Director of Farm Management, Darren Strand. The guides explained the growing cycle of their signature crop, Maui Gold® pineapple, and covered topics such as special growing and harvesting methods and the company's commitment to managing its resources from mountain to ocean, providing ongoing stewardship of land and water. The highlight of the tour, however, was the fresh pineapple tasting in the middle of a pineapple field, from fruit cut just moments before. "There's nothing like the taste of just-picked pineapple," said Mr. Balala.

The tour was followed by an exclusive luncheon set high up in the fields under a big white tent, overlooking the Kapalua Resort with both Molokai and Lanai as a backdrop. Well-known Maui-based Vasi's Gourmet Catering prepared an incredible three-course meal, featuring pineapple in each course.

Over lunch, special guest and renowned chef David Paul Johnson was on hand to talk about the historical relevance of pineapple in society, and the importance of pineapple in developing his menus. In the spirit of the Wine and Food Festival, he also led a discussion on appropriate wine pairings with pineapple.

"Maui Pineapple Company produces the world's best pineapple, Maui Gold. Maui Gold is extra-sweet, low in acid and contains 3 times the Vitamin C of traditional pineapple varieties. Having the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the journalists allows us to communicate all of its wonderful quality and taste benefits in a fun, personal and beautiful setting. Tasting fresh cut pineapple in the middle of the fields will give anyone a new appreciation for pineapple," said Howard Nager, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Maui Pineapple Company.

About Maui Pineapple Company
Maui Pineapple Company, Ltd. (http://www.MauiPineapple.com) is a subsidiary of Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc (http://www.MauiLand.com/), a holding and operating company established in 1907. Maui Pineapple Company, which originated over a century ago, cultivates approximately 6,000 acres of pineapple on the island of Maui. Today it continues to manage operations founded on the principles of sustainable agriculture and product innovation. To secure its competitive edge in the fast-evolving agricultural sector, Maui Pineapple Company is placing its emphasis on fresh pineapple. MPC is focused on continual improvement of fruit quality, proactive land stewardship, and managing growth to meet the demands of its growing mainland markets. The company's signature Maui Gold pineapple is known for its premium quality and a naturally sweeter aroma and taste.

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