Costa Rica's pineapple production increased from 1.68 million tonnes in 2009 to 2.36 million tonnes in 2013; a remarkable growth which both producers and the Government attribute to a better yield.
The increase within this period was of 42%, despite the fact that production volumes dropped slightly from 2012 to 2013, according to data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
As for the value of the country's exports, it has gone from 571 million dollars in 2009 to 821 million in 2013; a 44% increase, according to the Foreign Trade Promoter (Procomer).
The National Chamber of Pineapple Producers and Exporters (Canapep) reported that the activity provides direct employment to around 27,000 people.
The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Gloria Abraham, said that pineapple production is growing notably and steadily, making a great contribution to the country's exports. Christian Herrera, president of Canapep, pointed out that this is due to improvements in the yield and not to a strong acreage expansion.
Costa Rica had 40,000 hectares of pineapple crops in 2009; 45,000 in 2011, and this dropped to 43,000 in 2013, according to the Ministry.
Source: nacion.com