August 17 is National Pineapple Juice Day and an exciting time to celebrate the natural citrusy sweet taste of pineapple juice! Join us as we raise our glass to this tropical juice full of flavorful facts deserving of a celebration.

Pineapple juice is a tropical drink that delivers a refreshing boost of hydration and Vitamin C. With its beautiful bright flavors, one sip of pineapple juice instantly transports your taste buds to the tropics. Today, we join millions of people across the globe to hold a celebration and start their day differently on National Pineapple Juice Day.

Native to South America, pineapple arrived in Hawaii courtesy of the Spanish sometime in the 18th century. However, the truly juicy story of pineapple juice unfolds there with a man named James Dole playing a pivotal role. 

In 1899, James Dole moved to Hawaii with $1,000, a Harvard degree in business and horticulture, and a love of farming. Dole began growing pineapples on his newly purchased 60-acre pineapple plantation and quickly realized he had a sweet opportunity to provide the juiciest pineapples to the world.

After his first harvest, Dole started shipping pineapples to people on the mainland in the United States. However, there seemed to be an issue of keeping the freshness of the pineapples. Dole wanted to make the sunshine and taste of Hawaiian pineapples available for everyone. As a result he developed a canning technique to preserve the delicious taste of the pineapple fruit and juice. 

“On this National Pineapple Juice Day, we are thrilled to celebrate the unique and tantalizing pineapple juice that consumers have been loving for many years. Serving a revitalizing change of pace for consumers, Dole® 100% Pineapple Juice is a naturally sweet, refreshing choice for juice drinkers without needing added sugar. Plus, it’s packed with Vitamin C and other essential vitamins and minerals. So, over 90 years since Dole first put pineapple juice in cans, raise a glass of sunshine and cheers to the naturally delicious taste of pineapple juice!”

Orzse Hodi, President, Dole Packaged Foods USA

HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL PINEAPPLE JUICE DAY

In 2023, Dole Packaged Foods, LLC and National Day Calendar began a collaboration to create National Pineapple Juice Day. During the entire month of May, Dole called for all pineapple juice lovers to sign a petition and take the charge to make National Pineapple Juice Day official. To sweeten the deal, Dole made a donation for each signature to Feeding America® (up to $5,000) to support programs to end hunger as part of the Dole Promise. National Calendar Day unanimously approved Dole Packaged Foods, LLC’s request to establish National Pineapple Juice Day to be celebrated annually on August 17. 

About the Founder

Dole Packaged Foods, LLC, is a world leader in distributing, growing, marketing fruit and healthy snacks and sourcing in four core categories:

1. Beverage
2. Snacks
3. Frozen
4. Pantry

Dole Packaged Foods, LLC also sells a full line of packaged shelf stable fruit, frozen fruit, dried fruit and juices focusing on supporting four pillars of sustainability:

1. Water management
2. Carbon footprint
3. Soil conservation
4. Waste reduction

Visit dolesunshine.com to learn more information about Dole and their products. 

Perfectly Pineapple

Pineapple juice is a versatile ingredient in the culinary world. With plenty of ways to use it, pineapple juice adds sweetness, slight acidity and a savory balance to any recipe.

• Sipped Solo – As an excellent source of Vitamin C, pineapple juice is a great choice for a morning beverage. 
• Marinade – Pineapple juice is great for tenderizing poultry, especially on chicken and pork. In fact, it also creates a delicious glaze for grilled food, too. 
• Vinaigrette – Pineapple juice mixed with honey, olive oil, and lime or lemon juice adds delicious elements to any vinaigrette salad dressing.  
• Baking – Substituting pineapple juice for water adds moisture and an additional touch of sweetness to cake and quick breads. You can also use pineapple juice to add a touch of the tropics to frostings.
• Cocktails – Pineapple juice also adds a fresh, citrus, and sweet flavor to several tropical-flavored cocktails, including Piña Coladas and blended pineapple margaritas.  

National Pineapple Juice Day brings about many ways to celebrate. From learning about the history to savor the early beginnings to implementing it into your daily diet, pineapple juice deserves a time to shine. Show us how you celebrate National Pineapple Juice Day by sharing your photos or pineapple juice recipes on social media using #NationalPineappleJuiceDay and #NationalPJDay.