The Philippines has once again proved its prowess in the global pineapple market by securing its spot as the world’s second-largest exporter of pineapples in 2023. This notable achievement comes right behind Costa Rica and highlights a significant rise in export volumes, fueled largely by soaring demand from China.
A Milestone Year for Philippine Pineapples
According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Philippines exported approximately 600,000 metric tons (MT) of pineapples last year. This figure marks a 2.7 percent increase from the previous year, continuing a positive growth trend observed from 2021 to 2023. However, this increase falls short of the 626,000 MT exported in 2019.
China's Growing Appetite Fuels Expansion
The FAO highlights that a 3-percent rise in pineapple shipments to China has significantly boosted export figures. The MD2 pineapple variety, prevalent in the Philippines, has gained immense popularity due to its durability, year-round availability, and excellent value for money. These attributes have endeared Philippine pineapples to Chinese consumers, who now account for 43 percent of the country's pineapple exports. This strong demand from China has been a key factor in propelling the recent export growth.
Market Trends and Future Prospects
Beyond China, the Philippines' pineapples also find a substantial market in Japan and Korea, which together represent 44 percent of the total export share. With these key markets continuing to show strong demand, the future for the Philippine pineapple industry looks promising. The industry's ability to navigate global market trends and meet international demand will be essential in not only maintaining but potentially enhancing its standing in the global pineapple market.
