On December 11, 2025, in the bustling town of Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, an ordinary factory worker accomplished something extraordinary. Dominika Gasparova, a 35-year-old senior team leader at the Del Monte factory, carved her name into the record books—literally—by peeling and slicing a pineapple in a jaw-dropping 11.43 seconds, clinching the Guinness World Record for the fastest time ever recorded for this task. The previous benchmark, set in Concord, California, in April 2024, stood at 17.85 seconds, making Gasparova’s achievement all the more impressive.
According to Yahoo and corroborated by the PA news agency, Gasparova’s journey to this moment began sixteen years ago, when she first joined Del Monte, working on the pineapple cutting line. Her years at the factory, she explains, gave her the edge she needed to take on such a quirky but challenging record. “I’m so thankful,” she said, beaming after her victory. “I’m realising still I’m winning the world record, and I’m so happy that Del Monte have been part of my family for the last 16 years.”
But this wasn’t just a solo endeavor. The record-breaking event was the culmination of a spirited competition among ten Del Monte workers, each vying for the title in a series of heats. Gasparova posted the fastest preliminary time at 12.03 seconds—already a feat that would have made any pineapple lover proud. Yet, on the official attempt, she managed to shave off more than a quarter of a second, reaching that magical 11.43-second mark. The crowd of factory workers erupted in applause when the result was confirmed.
Of course, setting a Guinness World Record isn’t as simple as just being fast. There are rules—very specific ones. Joanne Brent, the official Guinness adjudicator present at the Del Monte factory for the attempt, explained the guidelines in detail. For the record to be valid, the pineapple had to weigh at least 800 grams, only a standard commercially available knife could be used, and each slice had to measure no more than 3.8 centimeters on all sides. Brent’s role was to ensure that every step adhered to these requirements, and she watched with a keen eye as Gasparova worked her magic.
After meticulously timing and measuring the attempt, Brent made the announcement that everyone had been waiting for. “Dominika, on this very special occasion it is my great honour to present to you this official certificate. You are now the Guinness World Records title holder. Dominika Gasparova, you are officially amazing, congratulations,” Brent declared, according to PA Wire. The factory floor filled with cheers and applause, a testament to the camaraderie and pride among Gasparova’s colleagues.
This isn’t the first time a pineapple has been at the center of a world record, but it might be one of the most heartwarming stories to emerge from the world of competitive fruit handling. The previous record, set just over a year earlier in California, seemed formidable—until Gasparova came along. Her accomplishment is not just a personal triumph, but a reflection of years of dedication, practice, and community spirit within the Del Monte workforce.
Reflecting on her journey, Gasparova credited her early days on the manual pineapple cutting line for honing her skills. “I began working on a line cutting pineapple by hand, so this way I get practice,” she explained. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most unassuming jobs can nurture the most remarkable talents. Her story has already inspired her coworkers, several of whom participated in the heats and saw firsthand the level of precision and speed required to approach such a record.
Factory competitions like the one at Del Monte are not just about setting records—they’re about building morale, fostering teamwork, and celebrating the unique skills that workers bring to their roles. For many of Gasparova’s colleagues, her victory was a shared one, representing the hard work and dedication that defines their daily routines. The applause that greeted Brent’s confirmation of the record was more than just noise; it was a collective expression of pride and joy.
While some might see pineapple peeling as a mundane task, for Gasparova and her fellow workers, it’s both an art and a science. The strict rules set by Guinness—regarding pineapple weight, knife type, and slice size—add layers of difficulty that require not just speed, but also accuracy and consistency. The process demands a steady hand, sharp focus, and, as Gasparova has shown, years of experience.
In a world where records are often set by elite athletes or celebrities, Gasparova’s story stands out for its relatability and accessibility. Anyone who’s ever struggled to peel a pineapple can appreciate the skill involved in doing it at record-breaking speed. Her achievement is a reminder that excellence can be found in the most unexpected places, and that dedication to one’s craft—no matter how humble—can lead to global recognition.
For the town of Wisbech, Gasparova’s success is a point of local pride. The Del Monte factory, a fixture in the community, has long been a source of employment and camaraderie for residents. Now, it’s also the birthplace of a world record. As news of Gasparova’s feat spreads, it’s likely to inspire others to pursue their own passions, whatever they may be.
Asked about her plans after achieving such an unusual but impressive milestone, Gasparova seemed content to savor the moment. “I’m very grateful. I’m still processing the fact that I’m a world record holder, and I’m so happy that Del Monte has been part of my family for 16 years,” she told Yahoo. Her humility and gratitude serve as a reminder that sometimes, the sweetest victories come not from chasing glory, but from doing what you love—and doing it well.
With her official Guinness certificate in hand and the admiration of her peers, Dominika Gasparova has shown that world records aren’t just for the fastest runners or the highest jumpers. Sometimes, they belong to the fastest pineapple peelers, too. And who knows? The next time you reach for a pineapple at the supermarket, you might just think of Gasparova, and the extraordinary skill hiding in plain sight.