The history of the Dähler family is a journey spanning three continents. In the 1980s, Johann Dähler began cultivating pineapples in the Ivory Coast, where his expertise and passion quickly earned him the title of “The Pineapple King.” After political unrest led to the loss of their plantation, the family was forced to return to Switzerland. However, the dream of growing the perfect pineapple remained very much alive.
In 2003, Johann Dähler and his son Jan moved to Costa Rica and founded Hacienda Roswitha in Sarapiquí. With ideal climatic conditions and fertile soil, the family once again began cultivating pineapples.
The Estate at a Glance
Today, the plantation is a model of sustainable and diverse land use:
Total area: 780 hectares.
Pineapple production: 450 hectares dedicated to the “Golden Pineapple.”
Nature conservation: The remaining 330 hectares are preserved as protected rainforest and pastureland for the family’s water buffalo.
Global reach: The family exports between 300 and 400 tons of premium pineapples annually to the USA, Canada, Europe, and Switzerland
Water Buffalo Farming as Part of the Sustainable Concept
A special component of the Hacienda is water buffalo farming, which is strategically used to optimally utilize the wet and marshy soil areas that are less suitable for pineapple cultivation. The buffalo contribute to landscape maintenance, promote biodiversity, and help preserve natural habitats.
Additionally, the family produces high-quality buffalo meat, which is valued in the region as a sustainable and healthy protein source. This integration of livestock farming and agriculture makes Hacienda Roswitha a model farm for regenerative agriculture.
Sustainability at the Core
For the Dähler family, sustainability is not an option, but a matter of course. Finca Roswitha relies on environmentally friendly cultivation methods, including erosion control, sustainable water management, solar energy, and continuous improvement of soil fertility.
Social commitment is also not neglected: The family supports local educational and health projects, creates fair jobs, and offers further training for employees.
Thus, pineapple production becomes not only an economic success model but also a social and ecological showcase project.
Hacienda Roswitha is more than just a Plantation
It is a place of learning and experience. Visitors can take a guided pineapple tour, where they learn about the entire production process – from planting to harvesting – and have the opportunity to taste fresh pineapples directly from the field.
Experience the Story of the Pineapple King up Close – our Pineapple Tour
If you want to learn about the family’s history and experience the origin of this special fruit yourself, you are warmly invited to our Pineapple Tour at Finca Roswitha. The tour offers a fascinating insight into daily life on the plantation – from sowing to export preparation.
What awaits you?
The tour is ideal for nature lovers, families, educational travelers and anyone who wants to know where their fruit really comes from. Whether as a day trip from San José or as part of a round trip – a visit to Finca Roswitha remains unforgettable.
📍 Tour Information & Booking:
Click here for Pineapple Tour details
One Family, one Vision
Behind all this is the conviction that agriculture not only creates food but also connection – to nature, to local people, and to consumers worldwide.
The Dähler family lives this philosophy every day: With Swiss precision, African life experience, and Costa Rican passion, a unique project has emerged at Finca Roswitha that goes far beyond pineapples.
Whether as an export brand, travel destination, or educational project – the Dähler Pineapple is a symbol of sustainable enjoyment and lived responsibility.
