Stephen oversees production of Piñata fruit in northern Australia including pineapples, Honey Gold mangoes and bananas.

Man standing in a row of Honey Gold mango trees in the Northern Territory

About Stephen

Stephen has led pineapple production in Queensland's north since Piñata Farms became the first to grow pineapples there in the 1990s. He oversees pineapple production in the Paddy’s Green district, near Mareeba, Far North Queensland, Honey Gold mango production at Darwin, Katherine and Mataranka in the Northern Territory and banana production at Darwin.

A pineapple pioneer

After working as farm manager on the family pineapple farm alongside brother Gavin, Stephen helped identify Mareeba’s sandy loam soil and warm climate as ideal for pineapple production. Until 2012, Piñata Farms was the only pineapple producer in the Mareeba district.  

During his time at Mareeba, Stephen has implemented growing practices to suit the region’s wet season and nine-month dry season. These include developing contoured banks to prevent erosion and planting on high, sloping blocks to aid run-off.

Stephen’s part in pioneering and developing pineapple production in the region was recognised in 2013 when he was awarded the inaugural Charlie Nastasi Horticulturalist of the Year by the Mareeba-Dimbulah Fruit and Vegetable Association.