Business
37-Yr-Old Turns Pineapple Passion into Thriving Business Adventure

In the verdant heart of Montagne-Longue, a remarkable tale unfolds, woven with the threads of passion and perseverance. Kavee Jhugroo, a 37-year-old accountant by profession, has embarked on a journey that transcends the mundane confines of his offshore office. He is now the proud director of TropiKal Pines Co Ltd, a burgeoning enterprise dedicated to the cultivation of pineapples and the creation of artisanal jams.
What began as a mere hobby on a neglected family plot has blossomed into a sweet adventure.
“I have always adored this fruit,” Kavee reflected, “so I decided to take the plunge, never imagining the heights to which this venture would soar.”
The inspiration to transform his harvest into homemade jams was sparked by fond memories of his grandmother’s recipes.
“Initially, we made small batches with less sugar, just for family and friends. The response was overwhelming. We thought, why not share this delight with a wider audience?”
Today, TropiKal Pines proudly cultivates the exquisite Queen Victoria pineapple, preparing to launch its inaugural range of jams that promise to retain the authentic taste of Mauritius, albeit with a reduced sweetness that pays homage to local traditions.
Yet, the path of entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges.
“Finding local labour is a daunting task, and importing workers from abroad is prohibitively expensive. Not to mention the relentless rise in the costs of agricultural equipment and fertilisers,” Kavee confided, his brow furrowed with concern.
Despite these hurdles, the team at TropiKal Pines remained undeterred.
“We are committed to celebrating our local flavours and contributing, in our own way, to food self-sufficiency.
Moreover, we aim to introduce a variety of pineapple-derived products in the coming months,” Kavee asserted with palpable enthusiasm.
Soon, their products will grace the shelves of supermarkets and local shops, targeting all who cherish pineapples and high-quality local produce.
And what of the aspiring young entrepreneurs who dream of following in his footsteps?
Kavee’s advice is both simple and profound:
“Have a clear vision and move forward with optimism. Trials are an integral part of the journey, but if you remain focused on your goal, success will ultimately be yours.”
In the world of TropiKal Pines, the sweet taste of success is just beginning to ripen.
Source: l’Express