Costa Rica becomes largest exporter of pineapples

Costa Rica

Tuesday 10 January 2012

For 2012 CANAPEP estimates that Costa Rica will maintain growth of 8% for its exports with the expansion of good production practices.

Canapep, the National Association of pineapple producers and exporters, reports that Costa Rica is the largest exporter of fresh pineapples in the world.

Canapep (Cámara Nacional de Productores y Exportadora de Piña) notes that in 2011 exports increased by 8% over 2010 and reached sales of 743 million USD.

For the Minister of Agriculture, the pineapple sector is very dynamic with 27,500 direct jobs and 110,000 indirect. The country has 1,300 producer of pineapples, 1,250 which are small businesses and 50 are large. Of the planted areas (45,000 hectares) 67% is owned by independent producers.

For next year Canapep believes that pineapple exports will continue to rise by about 8%. There will be no increase in area planted, but a significant improvement of good manufacturing practices, to meet the key requirements of the U.S. and European markets in 2012.

source : canapep