Prepared or preserved pineapples market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for prepared or preserved pineapples in SADC fell sharply from 110.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 81.9 thousand tons in 2019. This decline aligned with global trade pressures, including high freight costs and logistical delays that increased expenses for producers and traders. Furthermore, Thailand's reduction of its pineapple production by over 35% tightened worldwide supply of canned pineapples, contributing to lower output within the SADC region.

Following the 2019 downturn, the market entered a recovery phase, reaching 85.9 thousand tons in 2020. While the COVID-19 pandemic introduced additional logistical disruptions and higher input costs, growth was supported by value-adding initiatives such as the award of a Protected Geographical Indication for Benin's 'Pain de Sucre' pineapple, enhancing the profile of African produce. European consumer preference for the convenience of canned pineapple continued to underpin demand during this period.

The market sustained its expansion, rising to 88.3 thousand tons in 2021, 90.6 thousand tons in 2022, and 102.2 thousand tons in 2023. This steady growth occurred despite ongoing global challenges like the historic freight crisis, soaring input costs, and successive La Niña weather patterns, as regional policies encouraging quality improvement and certification helped SADC producers increase their output and market access.

Production prepared or preserved pineapples in SADC

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

In 2020, SADC produced 87.2 thousand tons of prepared or preserved pineapples, marking a 4.3% increase from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 13.7%, with an average annual decrease of 4.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 83.6 thousand tons, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 110.0 thousand tons. The most significant drop in production happened in 2019, falling by 24.0%, whereas the largest rise was in 2018, up by 8.8%.

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

Exports prepared or preserved pineapples from SADC

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited notable volatility during the observed period. Import levels varied significantly, with an 11.1-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2017. In 2020, SADC exported 6,332 tons of prepared or preserved pineapples, which represented a 26.8% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 8,646 tons. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018, surging by 715.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner portfolio for prepared or preserved pineapples from SADC was quite diverse. The United Kingdom accounted for 9.8% of exports in kind, Portugal for 8.1%, and Germany for 2.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 20.2% of total export flows, indicating a broad distribution among many partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, exports of prepared or preserved pineapples from SADC declined. In 2020, SADC exported 9,204 thousand US dollars worth of these products, showing a slight reduction of 1.7% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 9,364 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 3.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom was the largest buyer in value terms, accounting for 8.4% of exports, followed by Portugal at 6.4% and the United States at 2.0%. Together, these three countries represented 16.8% of total export value, highlighting a market with many smaller partners rather than a few dominant ones.

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

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

Imports prepared or preserved pineapples to SADC

Imports in kind, t

Imports of prepared or preserved pineapples into SADC declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 4,983 tons, reflecting a steep decline of 27.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 48.8%, with an average annual drop of 20.0%.

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

The import market base from 2017 to 2020 was broad, with Thailand leading at 23.9% of imports in kind, followed by China at 10.0% and Indonesia at 8.6%. These three countries together accounted for 42.6% of total import flows, while the remaining 57.4% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of prepared or preserved pineapples to SADC declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 6,974 thousand US dollars, amounting to a substantial fall of 13.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 36.1%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 13.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand was the main source in value terms, accounting for 13.1% of imports, followed by Indonesia at 4.8% and Portugal at 1.3%. Together, these three countries represented 19.2% of total import value, remaining key destinations for prepared or preserved pineapples to SADC.

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

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