Asia-Pacific leads the charge as the world’s top pineapple producer, contributing a dominant 41% share of global production, with 13 million tonnes harvested in 2022. Trailing behind, the United States and Africa produce 10 million tonnes and 5.2 million tonnes, respectively, reflecting the growing global demand.
The United States and European Union are the primary consumers of pineapple products. In 2021, the Netherlands became the largest EU importer, bringing in over 250,000 tonnes. In these regions, pineapples are more than just a fruit—they are a staple in kitchens, elevating dishes with their sweet, tangy flair.
But which countries are leading the charge in pineapple production and exports? And how can emerging markets leverage this booming global demand? Dive into the insights below to uncover the exciting potential for the pineapple trade in the years ahead.
Costa Rica – The Market Leader of Pineapple
Costa Rica is the undisputed leader in the global pineapple export market, commanding an impressive 70% of the world’s total pineapple exports and an astounding 84% of U.S. imports. Pineapples are a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s economy, contributing 9% of its export revenues. Agriculture, which accounts for 33% of the country’s GDP, thrives on key exports like pineapples and bananas, making Costa Rica a vital player in global agricultural trade.
In 2024, Costa Rica’s pineapple production is projected to reach 3.6 million tons, holding steady and reinforcing its position as one of the world’s largest and most reliable suppliers. In the first half of 2024 alone, Costa Rica shipped a remarkable 471 million pineapples to the U.S., representing 50% of the country’s total pineapple exports. With 701 million pineapples exported in 2023, Costa Rica’s pineapples dominate the U.S. market.
Philippines
Pineapples are one of the Philippines’ most significant exports, ranking third after bananas and coconut oil. The country produces around 2.7 million tons of pineapples annually, with over 66,000 hectares of land dedicated to cultivation. In 2022, pineapple production rose to 2.91 million tons, reflecting steady growth in the sector. Between 2018 and 2021, the country’s production increased by an average of 1.2% annually, from 2.73 million tons in 2018 to 2.86 million tons in 2021.
The Philippines is the second-largest exporter of pineapples globally, following Costa Rica. In 2023, the country exported around 600,000 tons of pineapples, marking a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Asia is the dominant market for Philippine pineapples, with China accounting for 43% of the country’s pineapple exports. Japan and South Korea follow as key markets, representing 30% and 14% of exports, respectively.
Indonesia
In 2022, Indonesia emerged as the world’s largest pineapple producer, surpassing both the Philippines and Costa Rica with a total production of 3.204 million tons, marking a significant 17.95% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by a 4.87% expansion in the harvested area and a 12.47% boost in productivity. Over the past two decades, Indonesia has seen remarkable growth in pineapple production, with an annual growth rate of 13.42%. In the last five years, this growth surged to 23.85% annually, fueled largely by an increase in the harvested area, though productivity gains have remained strong, with a 29.84% annual increase over the same period.
While a large portion of Indonesia’s pineapple cultivation takes place outside of Java, the majority of the country’s production is concentrated in several key regions. A staggering 71.92% of the pineapple-growing area lies outside Java, contributing to 83.37% of national output, or 1.79 million tons of fresh pineapple.
Thailand
Thailand’s pineapple export industry is a dominant force in the global market. Caned pineapple is the country’s primary export. In 2023, Thailand reached its highest export value of 460.51 million USD (equivalent to 0.41 million tons). Key export markets include the European Union, the United States, Japan, and the Middle East.
Pineapple cultivation in Thailand is concentrated primarily in the western provinces, where the tropical monsoon climate and fertile soils provide ideal growing conditions. The provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Kanchanaburi are the primary pineapple-growing areas. According to 2024 data, the total harvested area in these four provinces is expected to reach 70,979 hectares, reflecting a 9% increase from 2023. Total production is projected to rise by 11%, reaching 619,990 tons. The average yield is anticipated to be 22.1 tons per hectare, slightly higher than the previous year.
Vietnam
Vietnam has emerged as a significant player in the global pineapple market, owing to its favourable soil conditions and the crop’s high economic efficiency. The country ranks among the top 9 pineapple producers globally, contributing approximately 3.4% of the global pineapple growing area and 2.36% of global output. Within Southeast Asia, Vietnam holds the 3rd position in terms of pineapple growing area (after Thailand and the Philippines) and the 4th position in output (after the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia).
In 2020, Vietnam’s pineapple-growing area reached 47,000 hectares, representing 4.3% of the country’s total fruit-growing area (which totals 1.1 million hectares). The bulk of pineapple cultivation in Vietnam is located in the southern provinces, which account for 90% of the national pineapple growing area. Among these, the Mekong Delta stands out, contributing 56% of the national production.
Vietnam’s pineapple export focus is mainly on processed products, particularly canned pineapples, with limited exports of fresh pineapples. The country’s main export markets include Russia and the United States, which together account for around 50% of Vietnam’s total pineapple export value.
Conclusions
Based on the information gathered on pineapple production and exports from Costa Rica, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, the following key conclusions can be drawn:
- Costa Rica: As the leading exporter of pineapples, particularly the MD2 variety, Costa Rica dominates the global market, especially in the fresh pineapple segment. The strong emphasis on the MD2 variety has given Costa Rica a significant advantage in the pineapple export industry. The country’s focus on high-quality standards has contributed to its continued success and position as the industry leader.
- Thailand: Thailand is among the largest pineapple producers and exporters worldwide, particularly known for the Patavia variety. Thailand’s success lies in its processed pineapple products, especially canned pineapples, and it remains the world’s top exporter of processed pineapples. The country’s strong export markets, including the EU, United States, Japan, and the Middle East, showcase its competitiveness and robust development in the global pineapple industry.
- Philippines: Although its total pineapple production does not match Thailand’s, the Philippines remains a significant player in the pineapple export industry, particularly in the fresh pineapple market. The country’s consistent quality and high fresh pineapple output continue to help it maintain a dominant position in international markets.
- Indonesia: While Indonesia lags behind in terms of production and acreage compared to Thailand and the Philippines, it still plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s pineapple industry. However, the majority of Indonesian pineapples serve domestic demand, with only limited export activity.
- Vietnam: Vietnam is emerging as a significant player in pineapple production within Southeast Asia, with a large cultivation area. The country primarily focuses on processed pineapple products, particularly canned pineapples, which are exported to key markets like Russia and the United States. Although fresh pineapple exports are limited, the ongoing development of the MD2 variety in Vietnam is expected to improve product quality and help expand export opportunities.
