03 Nov 2025 Non-browning bananas and pineapples that taste like piña colada
These are not some fruity fantasies, but new wonders of agri-science…
UK biotech company, Tropic, says it has taken huge strides in delivering on its mission to become a world leading tropical seeds company, benefitting people, plants and planet with more sustainable, better growing tropical crops.
“Launching our first product to market, a non-browning banana that stays fresher for longer, we’ve brought the world’s favourite fruit into the 21st century with the first major development and new commercial variety in over 75 years,” it says.
“We’re delighted to share that our ground-breaking innovation has been named to TIME’s 2025 Best Inventions list, in the food and drink category. For over twenty years, TIME has highlighted the innovations and inventions making the biggest impact across industries and to benefit people around the world, and we’re honoured to be included on this list.”
Tropic’s non-browning banana is a revolution for the fruit industry; the banana stays firm and yellow after peeling and slicing – opening new avenues for inclusion in fruit salads, smoothies, desserts and more.
This innovative banana has the same great taste, texture and aroma as a standard Cavendish banana – but stays fresher for longer. This change in the banana is thanks to switching off the gene responsible for polyphenol oxidase, the enzyme responsible for browning, via precise gene editing techniques that makes targeted changes to the DNA of the fruit.
Bananas are the most eaten fruit around the world, and a globally important source of income for millions of growers and farmers. However, the Cavendish variety which accounts for over 90% of the export market is sterile and can’t be hybridised or traditionally bred – making it particularly vulnerable to diseases and weather extremes, both exacerbated by climate change.
Tropic’s pioneering research and developments in bananas will bring further varieties to extend the fruits green life, and provide natural resistance to Panama disease (TR4) and Black Sigatoka disease. Its technology is ensuring that we can continue to enjoy the world’s favourite fruit for generations to come, via safe, non-GMO technologies.
“Our non-browning banana variety is now commercially available and will be launching to consumers in the US and Canada in 2026. With regulatory approval granted in several growing regions, Tropic are well positioned to provide delicious varieties to markets around the world,” it adds.
This recognition follows Tropic’s inclusion on the TIME’s Top 250 GreenTech 2025 list, and Thrive’s Top 50 AgTech Report 2025. We’re proud to be recognised for our achievements in transforming tropical agriculture, and bringing innovation to staple crops including bananas, rice and coffee.
See the full list here: https://time.com/collections/best-inventions-2025
More about Tropic: Tropic is a pioneering tropical seeds company dedicated to the development of healthier, more robust, high-performing varieties of staple crops. The company’s core crop portfolio focusses on banana, coffee and rice, which together provide a source of livelihood to billions of people worldwide.
Tropic utilises its proprietary GEiGS platform and other cutting-edge gene editing technologies to develop improved crops with increased disease resistance, higher yields, and environmentally sustainable traits. By harnessing the power of advanced genetic engineering, Tropic is committed to addressing global agricultural challenges and providing innovative solutions that benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment. For more information visit Tropic.bio.
Dole’s new coconut-flavoured pineapple
Produce giant Dole Food Company has created a new pineapple that’s perfect if you like piña coladas (and potentially getting caught in the rain).
After 15 years of R&D, Dole has unveiled Colada Royale pineapple, which the company calls a “game-changing” innovation to the fresh fruit category.
The pineapple has been conventionally bred to be green and gold on the outside with a cream-coloured inside, offering “notes of coconut and piña colada for those seeking the ultimate tropical eating experience,” according to a release.
The Colada Royale also features two and a half times more vitamin B6 than a standard Dole pineapple, the company said, supporting brain, nervous system and immune health.
Bil Goldfield, Dole’s director of communications, said in a statement that the goal of the fruit was to offer a premium pineapple for all income levels.
“Our new Colada Royale Pineapple is not just a novelty or publicity gimmick; it’s Dole’s long-term strategy for getting more people to embrace the tropical majesty of pineapples with a luxurious new taste experience that leaves you wanting more,” Goldfield said.
Premium pineapples are having a moment as health-conscious consumers gravitate toward tropical flavours and seek “exotic and vibrant taste experiences,” according to Innova Markets.
Fresh Del Monte’s Pinkglow pineapples, which are bioengineered to have a rosy interior, have been a standout for the produce company, with demand at one point outpacing supply.
Source: FoodDive.com, Dole, Tropic