Phl pineapple exports grew by 5% in 2023

Pineapple exports from the Philippines are seen to have increased by five percent last year, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

- CATHERINE TALAVERA

Based on its latest major tropical fruits market review, the FAO said the country's pineapple exports could have grown to 611,873 tons in 2023 from 582,537 tons a year ago.

The FAO cited preliminary trade data from January to July last year which showed a 22 percent increase

in pineapple shipments to China, the leading recipient of pineapples from the Philippines.

China accounted for a 46 percent share of Philippine pineapple exports during the period.

"Industry sources reported that imports of pineapples from the Philippines to China benefited from higher Chinese demand for premium quality pineapples," the FAO said.