Towards the late 1800's pineapples were brought to the Port Alfred region from Natal on sailing vessels, and were planted by Mr. Joseph Wood on his farm "Mansfield" a few miles from Kowie. Today the Eastern Cape is home to a large and bustling pineapple growing and processing industry, which sees approximately 1,000 tons of pineapples being transported by rail from Port Alfred alone.

Perhaps one of Bathurst's most popular attractions is the large pineapple, known as The Big Pineapple, located 15 km from Port Alfred, on Summerhill Farm. The pineapple is said to be the biggest in South Africa, and possibly the world, and consists of a steel and concrete structure, covered in a glass fibre outer skin. The pineapple stands almost 20m high, and features three floors.

As visitors enter the Big Pineapple through the entrance on the ground floor, they will find a gift shop which sells a wide and interesting variety of pineapple products and souvenirs which include jams, preserves, chutney, locally made pottery and crafts, and various items of clothing. The next floor features tourist information and static displays of pineapple story, which proves to be rather interesting for younger visitors. Another level houses a continuous visual presentation on the Eastern Cape Pineapple industry, and leads up to the observation deck, which provides visitors with magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding farmlands and the Indian Ocean.