W4 Pineapple Update: Global Pineapple Exports Allegedly Increased by 4% and Imports Increased by 1% in 2023, and Costa Rica Still Leads the Global Pineapple Landscape

Global Pineapple Exports Increased by 4% in 2023, With Costa Rica Leading the Market

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global pineapple exports allegedly grew by 4% year-over-year (YoY) in 2023, reaching 3.2 million tons, mainly driven by increased supplies from Costa Rica. Favorable weather conditions in key growing areas of Costa Rica contributed to higher yields, resulting in increased exports.

Costa Rica's pineapple shipments grew by 3% in 2023, reaching 2 million tons, a significant recovery from the 5% decline in 2022. Despite positive performance, there was a decrease in planted areas due to low profits for small producers. The US and EU remain key export destinations, with strong demand. The average unit export value rose to USD 539 per ton in the first seven months of 2023, a 1% YoY increase. Canapep estimates exports at 2.1 million tons, supporting a positive outlook for the industry in 2023.

Canapep anticipates a minor decline in the export of high-quality pineapples in the upcoming months due to climate-related impacts on yields. It is also predicted that 2024 will be a year of production stabilization and potential consequences of maritime transport restrictions in the Red Sea and a drought in the Panama Canal.

The FAO also reports that the Philippines allegedly reached a 5% YoY in pineapple experts in 2023. Ecuador anticipates a 15% increase in exports, while Mexico is targeting a growth of 24%. Conversely, Ivory Coast's exports are projected to decrease by 27%.

In addition, global pineapple imports were forecasted to rise by 1%, reaching 3 million tons, driven by strong demand in the US and EU. US imports are expected to increase by 1%, and the EU's imports may be 17% lower than the five-year average. China, the third-largest importer, is likely to experience a 7% increase, reaching 250 thousand tons in 2023. Consumer demand for high-quality pineapples, particularly the MD2 variety from the Philippines, is influencing global trade dynamics.

Production of the Rubyglow Pineapple Commences in Costa Rica

Fresh Del Monte has introduced a vibrant red pineapple called "Rubyglow" to the Costa Rican market, aiming to enhance agricultural exports with its striking appearance and ultra-sweet taste. Rubyglow has become a luxury item as it is developed through cross-pollination of traditional and inedible purple pineapples, and maintains a distinctive flavor profile. It has strategically entered the Chinese market with high demand during Chinese New Year. There is currently a limited production with initial targets reaching 5 thousand pineapples in 2024.

In Jan-24, Fresh Del Monte revealed that they have enhanced security measures to safeguard Rubyglow pineapples, following a plant theft incident in Jun-23. The stolen plants were illicitly cultivated to produce and sell pineapples within Costa Rica.

China Approves Benin's Pineapple Imports

China's General Administration of Customs recently updated its list of approved fresh fruit types and exporting countries for 2024, including pineapples from Benin, Africa. This approval was granted in Sep-23. Benin currently boasts 226 orchards, 2 packaging plants, and 2 fumigation treatment plants with export codes to China. Pineapples play a significant role in Benin's GDP, contributing 1.2% to the national GDP and 4.3% to its agricultural GDP. Benin has set a target to export 300,000 tons of pineapples to China annually, in addition to its European market exports. Fumigation with methyl bromide is mandatory for pineapples exported to China to prevent the introduction of harmful organisms. The sweet bread pineapple variety from Benin made its debut in the Chinese market during the 2023 China International Import Expo (CIIE).

Ivory Coast's Pineapple Exports Dropped by 27% YoY in 2023

Ivory Coast faced challenges in the pineapple industry during 2023, with exports dropping by 27% YoY to 23,557 metric tons (mt), attributed to unfavorable weather conditions affecting the growing season. The price for pineapple exports stood at USD 460/mt between Jan-23 and Jul-23, representing a 10% increase YoY. The European Union, particularly France and Belgium, remained the primary market, accounting for approximately 57% of pineapple exports from Ivory Coast. Pineapple is the third top export product from Ivory Coast after banana and mango.