Star performance from Fyffe

WELCOME to the super-sweet pineapple. The premium product from Guatemala, branded Fyffe Star, is the latest offering from Europe's largest fruit importer.

Fyffes operates in tough markets with thin margins, but had a sweeter 2001. Pre-tax profits bounced from £4.5m to £35m on underlying sales of £1bn. Dividends rose 10% to 2.88p.

'A very good year,' said managing director Carl McCann. Cash has grown to £90m, 26p a share.

The shares held at 79p, or nine times likely earnings, barely half the rating of US rivals Chiquita and Dole.

Two US shareholders, Putnam and Founders, have joined in court action against Fyffes investor DCC. Fyffes is contesting a big share sale by DCC.