Prepared or preserved pineapples market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, production of prepared or preserved pineapples in South America fluctuated but ultimately increased from 126.7 thousand tons to 131.4 thousand tons. The rise in 2023 was partly driven by the launch of new fusariosis-resistant pineapple varieties in Brazil, which enhanced yield and fruit quality for processing. Additionally, the consolidation of processing lines in Colombia, supported by chambers of commerce and trade groups, strengthened the local value chain for pineapple products like frozen pulp and dehydrated fruit.

Global market dynamics significantly influenced regional trade. In 2022, a shortage of pineapples in North America due to adverse weather in Costa Rica, combined with worldwide supply chain disruptions and fertilizer scarcities, elevated demand for South American output. This contributed to a sharp rise in exports, which reached 9.8 thousand tons that year. Earlier, a notable increase in agricultural GDP in Peru during 2020 provided a boost to the country's production and export capacity for preserved pineapple.

In value terms, the market demonstrated consistent growth, expanding from 351.2 million USD in 2018 to 461.0 million USD in 2023. This upward trend reflects greater value addition through processed products, supported by export‑oriented strategies in Colombia and Brazil. The development of new product segments, such as pineapple powder and dehydrated foods, aligned with shifting global consumer preferences toward natural ingredients and longer‑shelf‑life offerings.

Production prepared or preserved pineapples in South 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

In 2020, South America produced 119.0 K t of prepared or preserved pineapples, marking a 3.5% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 126.7 K t, which represented a significant increase of 14.4% that year. However, in 2019, production saw its largest decline of 9.3%.

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

Exports prepared or preserved pineapples from South America

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 689 t, with a substantial decline of 48.7% that year. By 2020, exports peaked at 2 077 t, reflecting a sharp increase of 132.4% year-over-year. The gap between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018 was threefold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for South America's prepared or preserved pineapple exports in kind were the United States, the Netherlands, and Spain. Together, these countries accounted for 51.9% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports in value terms hit their lowest point in 2018 at 1 306 K $ US, with a decline of 61.8% that year. By 2020, exports peaked at 5 072 K $ US, showing a sharp increase of 114.7% compared to the previous year. The difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018 was 3.9 times.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Germany were the top buyers of prepared or preserved pineapples from South America in value terms. The United States accounted for 44.7% of exports, the Netherlands for 14.0%, and Germany for 2.1%. Combined, these three markets represented 60.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports prepared or preserved pineapples to South America

Imports in kind, t

The volume of prepared or preserved pineapple imports into South America declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 13 333 t, reflecting a strong decrease of 16.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 40%, with an average annual decline rate of 15.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand and Indonesia remained the principal sources for South America's prepared or preserved pineapple imports in kind. Together, these two countries accounted for 95.5% of total import flows, while other partners each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year reduction, South America's prepared or preserved pineapple import volume increased. In 2020, imports reached 18 123 K $ US, up by 17.4% over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 36.7%, with an average annual decline rate of 14.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 15 433 K $ US, following the largest decline of 27.4% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand and Indonesia concentrated the majority of South America's prepared or preserved pineapple imports in value terms. Other markets formed a less significant part of the import structure during this period.

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

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