Migros Sells ‘Bald’ Pineapples: What to Know

Migros, the Swiss retail giant, is now selling pineapples without their leafy crowns, a move the company says is aimed at reducing carbon emissions related to transportation. The change, first reported by Nau.ch, has sparked mixed reactions from customers, with some praising the practicality and others lamenting the loss of a visual indicator of ripeness.

The initiative, launched at the end of January 2026, builds on Migros’ existing “Save Food” initiative, announced on February 9, 2026, which focuses on selling produce that doesn’t meet conventional cosmetic standards at discounted prices. This broader effort aims to reduce food waste, support Swiss agriculture, and offer customers more sustainable options.

A Shift in Pineapple Presentation

Traditionally, pineapples are sold with their spiky green crowns intact. However, Migros is now offering “headless” pineapples, prompting questions about how consumers can assess their ripeness. Historically, a pineapple’s leaves have been used as a guide – easily detachable leaves indicate ripeness, while dry or browned leaves suggest the fruit may have lost moisture and flavor.

Migros acknowledges this concern but suggests alternative methods for determining ripeness. According to Fooby, a resource cited by Migros, consumers can check the base of the fruit for a sweet, fragrant aroma. A yellowish-golden to yellow-green skin color is also a good indicator; fully green pineapples are typically not yet ripe.

Customer feedback, gathered by 20 Minuten, is varied. Some customers appreciate the convenience of the crownless pineapple, finding it “more practical and less cumbersome.” Others expressed a preference for the traditional presentation, describing the headless fruit as “not very aesthetic.” Some customers have also reported that the crownless pineapples seem to brown more quickly, although Migros maintains that the fruit’s freshness is comparable with or without the leaves.

Logistical and Environmental Considerations

The primary driver behind this change is environmental. Prisca Huguenin-dit-Lenoir, a spokesperson for Migros, explained that removing the pineapple crown at the point of production, rather than in Switzerland, reduces CO₂ emissions related to transportation and logistics by an estimated 30%. This optimization of space during transport is a key benefit.

Migros also addresses the fate of the removed crowns, stating that 80% are composted, while 20% are used for new plantings. This suggests a closed-loop approach, minimizing waste from the process.

Testing and Rollout

The decision to remove pineapple crowns wasn’t made lightly. Migros conducted a year-long trial in stores located in Zurich and Valais before implementing the change nationwide. The positive results from these tests prompted the broader rollout across the country.

Broader Context: Migros’ “Save Food” Initiative

This move with pineapples is part of a larger trend within Migros to address food waste and promote sustainability. The “Save Food” initiative, launched earlier this month, focuses on selling Swiss fruits and vegetables that deviate from standard cosmetic norms – produce that might be irregularly shaped, smaller in size, or have minor weather-related damage. These items are offered at attractive prices, providing consumers with a more affordable and environmentally friendly option.

The “Save Food” initiative also builds upon existing Migros programs like “M-Budget” (a discount brand) and “different is beautiful,” consolidating these efforts into a standardized national range of sustainable and affordable products. The initial launch of the “Save Food” range features Swiss potatoes, with plans to expand to include carrots, onions, apples, and pears in the coming months.

Pineapple Quality and Consumer Choice

While the change in presentation may raise questions about quality, Migros emphasizes that the pineapples remain top-quality produce. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting Swiss agriculture, accepting produce that may not meet conventional standards due to natural variations or harvest challenges.

The decision to sell crownless pineapples reflects a growing awareness of the environmental impact of food production and transportation. While consumer acceptance will be crucial, Migros’ initiative demonstrates a willingness to experiment with new approaches to reduce waste and promote sustainability within the food retail sector.