Fundamentals

of
Lodging

Abigail Senares
 Fundamentals of Lodging

Why pineapple is the symbol

of
Hospitality Industry?

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Why Pineapple became the Hospitality Industry Symbol?

There is no fruit more distinctive or ubiquitous to pop

culture than the pineapple. From its rough exterior to its crown-
like spikes, the pineapple is hard to miss. However, most people
aren’t aware that the pineapple’s rise to prominence began in
hospitality. That crown was no coincidence as it was regarded as
the king of luxury and status. Hosts were desperate to get their
hands on one in order to impress guests. Unfortunately, through
the years the pineapple’s origin story has faded into obscurity
and been forgotten.
It’s time to dust off the throne and bring the
pineapple back to its royal glory. However, to fully understand
and appreciate the tropical fruit’s story, we have to start at the
very beginning.
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 Origin of Pineapple

The pineapple’s story began in 1493 with Christopher

Columbus. In the Caribbean, he and his crew encountered
the strange and distinctive fruit. Despite its rough
exterior, the pineapple was an instant hit. Delicious,
refreshing, and juicy, it was determined that this was a
fruit fit for the finest. Columbus sent the pineapple back to
Europe where his enthusiasm was quickly shared, and it
became the talk of the town. Everyone wanted to get their
hands on it, including royalty. King Charles II even posed
with a pineapple for one of the first “unboxing portraits” in
modern history.

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Origin of Pineapple

Soon, the pineapple became a symbol of status, but

not just because of its royal endorsement. Despite
booming demand, supply was low. It was
incredibly hard to get your hands on a perfectly
fresh pineapple. Transporting the fruit from the
Caribbean was a long and difficult journey and
they were often kept in hot, humid conditions. This
meant that ships that managed to successfully
arrive in Europe often delivered spoiled and rotten
cargo. Only a combination of favorable weather
and swift ships could supply the perfect pineapples
which were acceptable to be displayed in front of
guests

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 A Hospitable Tradition

The pineapple soon became the “it” accessory for hosts.

Any host who presented a whole intact one clearly
demonstrated how much they valued and appreciated
their guests. Expensive, exotic, and rare, the pineapple
made guests feel special and welcomed. It was so
coveted that people would even rent the fruit for a
brief chance to impress their guests. The pineapple
showed that hosts were willing to go to any lengths to
demonstrate exceptional generosity and
accommodation. And that’s what excellent hospitality
is all about.

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 Significance of Pineapple Industry

Today, the pineapple remains a

fitting symbol for the hospitality
industry, and pineapple-themed
products still abound. From lamps to
candle holders to salt and pepper
shakers and beyond, the pineapple
motif says...WELCOME
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