Prepared or preserved pineapples market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The market for prepared or preserved pineapples in Latin America and the Caribbean contracted from 170.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 158.6 thousand tons in 2021. During this period, Mexico's agricultural policy was focused on satisfying domestic demand, with 95% of pineapple production destined for the local market. However, overall production declined from 141.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 137.4 thousand tons in 2021.

Market volume rebounded to 179.1 thousand tons by 2023. This recovery was supported by the expansion of pineapple sown area in southeastern Mexico, which had the potential to reach nearly 600 000 hectares. In 2023, favorable meteorological conditions in Costa Rica boosted pineapple yields, enhancing supplies for the processed pineapple sector. Concurrently, drought and heat in other producing countries like Panama constrained output, adding pressure to regional supply chains.

Entering 2024, climate variability continued to impact production, with drought causing a 35% drop in output in Tabasco, Mexico. Regulatory investigations involving Mexican pineapple canners and increasing consumer demand for premium fruit products shaped market dynamics. Costa Rica reinforced its role as a leading pineapple exporter, while Colombia gained access to new international markets such as Canada, contributing to export growth.

Production prepared or preserved pineapples in Latin America and the Caribbean

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

Following two consecutive years of decline, Latin America and the Caribbean saw an increase in the production of prepared or preserved pineapples. In 2020, the region produced 135.5 thousand tons, marking a 4.7% rise from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 47.8%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 19.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 129.4 thousand tons, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 45.5% decline.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of prepared or preserved pineapple production in Latin America and the Caribbean reached 206.6 million US dollars, representing an 8.1% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 56.5%, averaging a 24.2% annual reduction. The most significant decrease was observed in 2018 at 54.6%, while 2019 saw a modest increase of 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports prepared or preserved pineapples from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean exported 5 532 tons of prepared or preserved pineapples, a sharp increase of 135.5% from the previous year. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 349 tons, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 42.0% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, exports of prepared or preserved pineapples from Latin America and the Caribbean were not heavily concentrated in a few key markets. The United States accounted for 27.1% of exports, Spain for 12.4%, and the Netherlands for 2.2%, together making up only 41.7% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior during these years was marked by volatility. Export values dropped to their minimum in 2018 and climbed to their maximum in 2020, showing a 2.3-fold shift. In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean exported prepared or preserved pineapples worth 8 436 thousand US dollars, a 106.7% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 703 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline also in 2018 at 51.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner landscape in value terms was diverse. The United States represented 32.6% of exports, the Netherlands 7.2%, and Spain 3.2%, together accounting for only 43.0% of total flows. The remaining 57.0% was distributed among many other countries.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports prepared or preserved pineapples to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, cross-border shipments of prepared or preserved pineapples into Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 29 524 tons, a 12.3% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 34.6%, with an average annual decline of 13.2%. The largest drop occurred in 2018 at 30.0%, while 2019 saw an increase of 6.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, two leading markets—Thailand and Indonesia—together accounted for 83.4% of total imports in kind, with the remaining volume spread across a wide range of other countries.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of prepared or preserved pineapples into Latin America and the Caribbean increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value was recorded at 43 183 thousand US dollars, showing a solid advance of 20.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 31.7%, equating to an 11.9% annualized rate. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 35 586 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline also in 2018 at 43.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, Thailand accounted for 47.0% of imports in value terms, Indonesia for 31.9%, and the Philippines for 7.0%, forming the core of imports and together taking 85.8% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020