The pineapple cultivated by the farmers of Vazhakulam is the sweetest pineapple available in India. Hence Vazhakulam is also known as the city of Pineapple. Mauritius is the main variety cultivated in Kerala and Kew variety is rarely grown. Pineapple has been commercially grown in Vazhakulam area for more than 50 years for its excellent fruit for fresh consumption. Vazhakulam is considered as the biggest pineapple market in India from where the fruit is being transported to all the South Indian states and most of the North Indian states. It is grown in the districts of Ernakulam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and the low elevation areas of Idukki district in Kerala. It is the centre of pineapple trade in Kerala and India. Vazhakulam pineapple was Registered as Geographical Indication (GI) No. 130 under Agricultural-Horticultural product at the GI Registry, Chennai on 4th September 2009. GI registration is the process of endorsing brand protection under WTO guidelines to the producers of any product known for quality and marketed in the label of a geographic area.

The plant is about 85-90 cm height, leaves spiny, gives yield within 12-13 months. The average fruit weight is 1.2-1.4kg. The fruit has a pleasant aroma, slightly conical in shape, fruit „eyes‟ deeply placed, fruit flesh is crisp and golden yellow in colour, juice is sweet with 14-16° brix and its acidity is 0.50 – 0.70%. The fruit withstands post harvest handling damages and long distance transport. Vazhakulam pineapple is unique in aroma, flavour and sweetness due to its high sugar content and low acidity. The GI registration has boosted the export of pineapple from the state considerably, besides the high reputation fetching premium price in the international market.