Prepared or preserved pineapples market in Southern Africa, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for prepared or preserved pineapples in Southern Africa saw a significant contraction, falling from 8 714 tonnes to 5 314 tonnes. The initial volume in 2018 was supported by a commercial pineapple industry where approximately 80% of production was dedicated to processing, including for canning. This was followed by a sharp decline in 2020, which was primarily driven by global COVID-19 pandemic disruptions that affected international supply chains and reduced trade flows.

The market continued to shrink thereafter, reaching 3 125 tonnes by 2023. This period was characterized by rising costs for key agricultural inputs like fertilizers and plastics, putting pressure on pineapple growers and processors. Furthermore, a notable increase in export volumes, particularly in 2023 alongside expanded production in the Eastern Cape, diverted supply away from the domestic market, reducing local availability. Proposed regulatory changes from the Competition Commission aimed at improving fresh produce market outcomes were also tabled during this time.

Production prepared or preserved pineapples in Southern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of prepared or preserved pineapples, 2017-2020

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

In 2019, Southern Africa produced 10 117 tonnes of prepared or preserved pineapples, marking the highest output in recent years. However, production fell sharply to 7 418 tonnes in 2020, representing a 26.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production declined by 25.1%, with an average annual reduction rate of 9.2%. The most significant year-on-year growth occurred in 2019, when production increased by 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports prepared or preserved pineapples from Southern Africa

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of prepared or preserved pineapples from Southern Africa showed considerable volatility between 2017 and 2020. The lowest point was recorded in 2017, while exports peaked in 2019 at 8 276 tonnes, creating a 5.7-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, exports dropped significantly to 6 497 tonnes, reflecting a 21.5% decline from 2019. The most dramatic growth occurred in 2018, when exports surged by 372.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Zimbabwe were notable but not dominant buyers of Southern Africa's prepared or preserved pineapples. The United Kingdom accounted for 9.9% of export volumes, Portugal for 8.2%, and Zimbabwe for 2.4%. Together, these three markets represented just 20.4% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, the value of prepared or preserved pineapple exports from Southern Africa declined in 2020. Exports reached 9 126 thousand US dollars that year, showing a modest 2.0% decrease from 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 9 314 thousand US dollars. Over the 2017-2020 period, export values increased by 5.8% overall, translating to an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The strongest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with a 4.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the value of prepared or preserved pineapple exports from Southern Africa was widely distributed across multiple trading partners. The United Kingdom accounted for 8.5% of export value, Portugal for 6.4%, and Zimbabwe for 2.8%. Combined, these three countries represented only 17.8% of total export flows in monetary terms.

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

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

Imports prepared or preserved pineapples to Southern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Southern Africa's imports of prepared or preserved pineapples declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 4 393 tonnes. This represented a substantial 32.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volumes fell by 38.1%, with an average annual reduction rate of 14.8%. The only year of growth during this timeframe was 2019, when imports increased by 5.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand and Indonesia emerged as the primary suppliers of prepared or preserved pineapples to Southern Africa. Together, these two countries accounted for 37.7% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of prepared or preserved pineapple imports into Southern Africa declined for the third year in a row in 2020, reaching 6 145 thousand US dollars. This represented an 18.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values fell by 36.8%, with an average annual decline of 14.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand and Indonesia remained the key sources for Southern Africa's prepared or preserved pineapple imports in value terms, together accounting for 16.7% of total import flows.

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

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