The Philippines leads global pineapple production, generating around 2.7 million metric tons annually. Its favorable tropical climate and volcanic-rich soils in regions like Bukidnon and South Cotabato create optimal conditions for cultivation. Major farms in Mindanao, managed by multinational companies and local farmers, focus on varieties such as MD2 and Queen, which are used for both domestic markets and exported to Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East.
Pineapple farming is integral to the Philippine economy, significantly contributing to national income and providing rural employment, particularly in Mindanao. The Philippines processes this fruit into various products, including juices, canned goods, and dried snacks, facilitating its expansion in international trade. The country is adapting to rising global demand by investing in agri-tech and enhancing its production capacity.
Globally, Costa Rica follows closely, producing 2.6 million tons annually and focusing extensively on exports to the U.S. and Europe. Thailand produces over 2 million tons, with an established food processing sector that majorly exports canned pineapple. Indonesia, ranking fourth, benefits from year-round growing conditions in provinces like Lampung and West Java. It supplies both fresh and processed pineapples domestically and internationally. India ranks fifth with 1.7 million tons, primarily cultivated in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, and Tripura, with Tripura's Queen pineapple gaining a Geographical Indication (GI) for its distinct sweetness and aroma.
Other notable contributors to the global pineapple market include Nigeria, China, Brazil, Kenya, and Vietnam. These countries aim to enhance their domestic production capacity through advanced farming techniques and improved processing infrastructure, aligning with the surge in global pineapple demand.
Source: Jagran Josh