Philippine 2025 pineapple exports up 13.6%

PINEAPPLE EXPORTS are estimated to have grown 13.6% in 2025 to about 775,000 metric tons (MT), supported by increased production and strong demand from key Asian markets, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), citing preliminary data.

In a market review, the FAO said Costa Rica likely remained the world’s biggest pineapple exporter in 2025, although the FAO said its shipments were projected to decline 16% to about 2.02 million MT. The Philippines was second, ahead of Ecuador and Honduras.

The FAO attributed the increase in shipments from the Philippines to government investment in the industry.

“The Philippine Department of Agriculture made significant investments in improving yields in key production areas, including via the provision of fertilizer, packaging materials, and training in pest management, which facilitated higher output,” the FAO said.

China remained the leading destination for Philippine pineapples, with exports to the market rising 19% year on year during the first nine months of 2025.

“Growth in exports to China was boosted by a weather-related decline in Chinese domestic production, which resulted in lower yields and lower quality,” the FAO said.

Exports to Japan also grew substantially, increasing 27% year on year in the first nine months, the FAO said.

According to the FAO, the average export unit value of Philippine pineapple shipments was $668 per MT in the first nine months, up 6% from a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the FAO reported weaker export performance for several other Philippine fruits in 2025.

Exports of mango, mangosteen, and guava were estimated to have declined 12.25% to 8,489 MT, while papaya exports were also thought to have fallen 9.64% to 6,476 MT. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel