Pineapple is a popular tropical fruit produced and consumed globally, and this industry has become a significant source of foreign exchange for Vietnam through exports.
In the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam’s pineapple exports earned over $2.04 million, an impressive 119.8% growth compared to the same period last year. The proportion also increased from 0.07% in Q1 2024 to 0.18% in Q1 2025. Notably, pineapple is one of only two fruits with over 100% growth in the first three months of the year.
Currently, pineapple is cultivated in approximately 90 countries and territories worldwide. The total global area dedicated to pineapple cultivation exceeds 400,000 hectares, predominantly in Asia, the Americas, and Africa.
The top 10 pineapple-producing countries are Thailand, the Philippines, China, Brazil, India, Nigeria, Costa Rica, Mexico, Indonesia, and Kenya. These countries account for approximately 73% of the world’s total pineapple production.
The global pineapple market is experiencing significant expansion, with projections indicating growth from $27.08 billion in 2023 to an estimated $36.8 billion in 2028 and a further rise to $39.13 billion in 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 6.33% during the forecast period (2024 – 2029). Asia-Pacific is the largest producer and consumer of pineapple worldwide due to substantial domestic consumption and the highest area dedicated to pineapple cultivation.
In 2021, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and the Philippines were the top three pineapple-producing countries, with Costa Rica alone producing 2.9 million metric tons. These countries primarily cater to the fresh fruit market and the processing industry.
Vietnam’s pineapple market comprises domestic consumption and exports. In the domestic market, pineapples are widely available in retail markets. Vietnam exports both fresh and processed pineapples, although fresh pineapple exports are currently modest, with most exports being processed products.
By 2026, Vietnam’s pineapple production is expected to reach 800-900,000 metric tons. This figure has increased from 726,000 metric tons in 2021, reflecting an average growth rate of 1.8% per year.
Mekong Delta in Vietnam is the largest pineapple-growing region, yielding 397,400 metric tons in 2022, contributing to 57% of the country’s total pineapple production. This year, pineapple farmers are enjoying a bountiful harvest, and traders are actively purchasing their produce, driving up prices to VND 15,000-20,000 per fruit.
Vietnam’s processed pineapple exports reach a wide range of markets, including the EU, Russia, the US, and South Korea. However, Vietnamese processed pineapple products face intense competition from other major pineapple-exporting countries, partly due to lower pineapple processing efficiency, resulting in higher production costs. Nonetheless, Vietnam’s pineapples are yet to enter the Chinese market through official channels, relying mainly on small-scale border trade.
The demand for pineapple has been on a rising trend in recent years as consumers become more health-conscious and embrace plant-based diets. Additionally, pineapple powder has a longer shelf life and finds applications in various food and beverage, pharmaceutical sectors. This presents an opportunity for pineapple-producing and exporting countries, including Vietnam, to boost exports and expand their market presence.
