Five former Maui Pineapple Co. executives are working with Pardee Erdman of Ulupalakua Ranch to take over pineapple operations from Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc.
The new company, Haliimaile Pineapple Co. Ltd., plans continue to grow and market fresh pineapple under the established Maui Gold Brand. The company purchased and licensed key assets, and leased farm land, equipment, and buildings from ML&P with plans to serve the Hawai’i market, according to a news release. The company officially opened Jan. 1.
Key shareholders and directors in the new company include Pardee Erdman, owner of Ulupalakua Ranch; Doug Schenk, former president of Maui Pineapple Co.; former vice presidents of MPC, Doug MacCluer and Ed Chenchin; and current operating directors for MPC, Darren Strand and Rudy Balala.
Haliimaile Pineapple Co. plans consolidate growing, fresh fruit packing facility, cold storage and shipping operations in Haliimaile. It sells fresh pineapple to local hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets and plans to increase direct-to-consumer business.
Maui Pineapple Co. executives start new company | The Packer
