The Philippines has successfully maintained its position as the world’s second-largest exporter of pineapples, following Costa Rica, with a 2 percent increase in volume in 2023 driven by rising demand from China.
According to the latest major tropical fruits market review by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the country exported approximately 600,000 metric tons of pineapples in 2023, marking a 2.7 percent increase from the previous year.
While the FAO did not provide comparative figures for the country’s pineapple exports, it noted that the volume has consistently grown each year from 2021 to 2023. However, the 2023 export volume fell short of the 626,000 metric tons shipped to key markets in 2019.
The FAO attributed the increase in pineapple exports in 2023 to a 3 percent rise in shipments to China.
China remains the leading consumer of locally produced pineapples, accounting for 43 percent of total exports, followed by Japan and Korea with 30 percent and 14 percent, respectively.
The Pineapple Industry in the Philippines
The pineapple industry is a significant contributor to the Philippine economy, with vast plantations primarily located in Mindanao. The country is known for producing some of the world’s finest pineapples, characterized by their sweetness and quality.
Major players in the industry include large agribusinesses and cooperatives that focus on both fresh fruit exports and processed pineapple products like juice and canned goods.
Despite challenges such as fluctuating global demand and competition from other pineapple-producing nations, the industry continues to thrive, benefiting from the Philippines’ favorable climate and agricultural expertise.
The ongoing growth in exports, particularly to major markets like China, Japan, and Korea, highlights the global appeal of Philippine pineapples and underscores the industry’s vital role in the country’s agricultural sector.