Prepared or preserved pineapples market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market for prepared or preserved pineapples in Central America was shaped by strengthening raw material supply and growing local entrepreneurship. In Honduras, pineapple production reached 75 000 t, supported by USAID and USDA projects improving post-harvest handling and seed banks, which secured inputs for processing. Similarly, in Costa Rica, increased cultivation of the MD‑2 variety, driven by international market access, provided quality raw material. This foundation allowed production of prepared or preserved pineapples to rise from 14 881 t in 2018 to 21 635 t in 2021. Concurrently, the emergence of local prepared‑pineapple businesses, such as a Honduran vendor that became a notable employer and El Salvador’s ‘La Piña Loca’ initiative, signaled rising domestic demand and helped diversify the product range.

The period from 2022 to 2023 saw a dramatic expansion of the market, with volume jumping from 28 060 t to 42 413 t. This surge was fueled by a sharp increase in imports, which reached 27 555 t in 2023. Two key developments underpinned the shift: Honduras recorded historic fresh‑pineapple exports of 74 million kg amid tight global supply and high prices, which likely encouraged processors to source more prepared products from abroad; and Panama consolidated its pineapple industry, opening new export markets like New Zealand through phytosanitary agreements and hosting the Feria de la Piña 2024 to promote local production. These factors, together with ongoing efforts across the region to enhance value‑chain competitiveness, created a dynamic environment that supported market growth.

Production prepared or preserved pineapples in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of prepared or preserved pineapples, 2017-2020

World map of production of prepared or preserved pineapples, 2017-2020

The market showed significant volatility during this period. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 14.5 thousand tons, then peaked in 2017 with a 10.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Central America produced 16.5 thousand tons of prepared or preserved pineapples, representing a substantial 13.9% increase compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, when production fell by 90.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Prepared or preserved pineapple production in Central America declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 15.8 million US dollars, reflecting a limited decrease of 8.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 92.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 58.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports prepared or preserved pineapples from Central America

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes varied 2.4 times between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Central America exported 3 453 tons of prepared or preserved pineapples, representing a 144.9% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 410 tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 40.8% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, three principal markets—Spain, the United States, and Canada—together accounted for 37.0% of total prepared or preserved pineapple exports from Central America in volume terms.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Central America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. Export values varied 2.5 times between the minimum in 2019 and the maximum in 2017. In 2020, cross-border shipments of prepared or preserved pineapples from Central America amounted to 3 320 thousand US dollars, which is 96.9% higher than in 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 687 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 43.4% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (20.4% of export value), Spain (4.4% of export value), and Belgium (1.1% of export value) formed the main group of destinations for prepared or preserved pineapple exports from Central America, with a combined share of 25.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Central America in value, 2017-2020

Imports prepared or preserved pineapples to Central America

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility during the observed period. Import levels fluctuated 2.4 times between the low in 2018 and the high in 2017. In 2020, Central America imported 14 518 tons of prepared or preserved pineapples, which is 5.6% less than in 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 8 370 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 58.6% decrease, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019 with an 83.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017-2020, Thailand (45.9% of import volume), Indonesia (29.1% of import volume), and the Philippines (10.8% of import volume) remained the main sources for prepared or preserved pineapple imports to Central America, jointly accounting for 85.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Central America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Prepared or preserved pineapple imports to Central America increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Central America imported approximately 21 962 thousand US dollars worth of prepared or preserved pineapples, showing a significant increase of 30.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 27.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 10 736 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 64.6% decrease, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2019 with a 57.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand (44.3% of import value), Indonesia (27.8% of import value), and the Philippines (10.6% of import value) remained the leading sources in the country structure of prepared or preserved pineapple imports to Central America, with a combined share of 82.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Central America in value, 2017-2020