Get to know the sweet story of the Big Pineapple in Bathurst

Get to know the sweet story of the Big Pineapple in Bathurst

Category Property News

Did you know that the Eastern Cape produces over 75% of South Africa's juicy, golden pineapples? In Bathurst, one of the province's agricultural hotspots, you can celebrate this delicious fact by visiting the Big Pineapple. This special attraction is the largest man-made pineapple building in the world, reaching an impressive height of almost 56 feet. The iconic structure serves as a magnificent symbol of the region's thriving pineapple industry and pays homage to the agricultural triumphs of the 1820 settlers. 

Over the years, the Big Pineapple has evolved into a captivating tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide who are eager to learn more, take Instagrammable pictures, and get their fill of the fruit.

Pineapple pioneers of the past 

The settlers that came to Bathurst struggled to grow crops until they started planting pineapples. To honour their legacy and celebrate the fruit that had made the area prosperous, 16 local producers under the leadership of Barrie Purdon combined their skills and enthusiasm to build the Big Pineapple. Barrie Purdon is notably the descendant of Charles Purdon, the man who sowed the first pineapple seed in the Eastern Cape. 

Inspired by the "Big Pineapple" in Queensland, Australia (although two feet taller), construction took place in 1990 and became available to visitors 12 months later. Here they would be able to discover the mysteries of the spikey, yellow-orange fruit as well as its cultivation and processing.

Today, the building serves as the headquarters of the Principle Growers Association and hosted the International Pineapple Symposium in 2005. Another historical gem is that the Big Pineapple was awarded the SATOUR Tourism Promotional Award in 1991 for its contribution to local tourism. 

Going inside the Big Pineapple

The building is a marvel, made with a reinforced concrete and steel structure and a fibreglass 'skin'. The structure is three stories tall and features an observation deck:

• First floor: This houses a gift and curio shop where you can buy a range of pineapple-related products such as pineapple juice, jams, chutneys, and ice lollies. There are also pineapple-themed souvenirs such as figurines, pottery, tea towels, trinkets, bags, t-shirts, puzzles, and hats.
• Second floor: This is a museum dedicated to the fruit and has tourist information and displays about the pineapple industry in Bathurst.
• Third floor: Here you can watch a movie about pineapples; this continuous video presentation tells you about the history and cultivation of the fruit with some interesting insights.
• Observation deck: This offers stunning views of Bathurst's surrounding farmlands. On a clear day, you can see the Indian Ocean. 

Please don't eat this fruit 

The Big Pineapple actually lies on a working farm called Summerhill. Surrounding the building is an experimental pineapple field filled with fruit of various shapes, sizes, and colours. While you may not eat these fruits, you can take pictures of the fields and buy fresh produce inside the Big Pineapple. There is a lovely stretch of lawn where the children can play and nibble on pineapple treats. After, the family can take turns posing with the photo stand-in of the Big Pineapple's mascot and book a tractor ride through the pineapple fields. 

Quick facts about the Big Pineapple

Entrance fee: It's free to take pictures outside the Big Pineapple and shop at the first level's gift and curio shop. To access the upper floors and observation decks is R25 per person.

Address: The building can be found on Summerhill Farm on the outskirts of Bathurst on the R67.

Hours: You can visit the Big Pineapple on Monday-Friday (8 am-4 pm), Saturday (8 am-3 pm), and Sunday (8 am-2 pm). 

Contact: +27 46 625 0515

Tours: There is a short self-guided tour inside the building. 

Find your sweet escape in Bathurst

As you explore the fascinating history of the Big Pineapple, you can't help but feel a magnetic pull to this remarkable region. Bathurst, with its pineapple-scented air and picturesque landscapes, captures the essence of a life well lived. If the charm of this area has captured your heart, it's time to turn your dreams into reality. Simply browse Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty's properties for sale, and get in touch to set up a viewing today.

Author: Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty