Pineapple — the golden, spiky-topped tropical fruit — has delighted people for centuries with its sweet-tart flavor, juicy texture, and impressive health benefits. Known for being rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and digestive enzymes like bromelain, pineapple is enjoyed fresh, juiced, grilled, canned, and incorporated into dishes both sweet and savory.
But have you ever wondered where all these delicious pineapples come from? While pineapples grow best in tropical and subtropical climates, only a handful of countries produce the bulk of the global supply. In this article, we’ll explore the top five pineapple-producing countries in the world, and find out what makes them leaders in this sweet, sun-kissed industry.
Global Pineapple Production Overview
The global demand for pineapples has risen steadily over the past decade, driven by growing health consciousness, the popularity of tropical fruits, and increased consumption of processed products like juices and canned pineapple.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global pineapple production exceeds 28 million metric tons annually, with the top five countries contributing a significant share to this total. Let’s dive into these major producers and see what makes their pineapples world-famous.
Top 5 Pineapple Producing Countries
Costa Rica — The World’s Pineapple Capital
Annual Production: Around 3.3 million metric tons
Global Share: Over 11%
When it comes to pineapples, Costa Rica is unmatched on the world stage. Although it’s a relatively small country in Central America, Costa Rica is the world’s largest pineapple exporter and among the top producers by volume.
Why Costa Rica Leads:
- Ideal tropical climate with fertile soils and consistent rainfall.
- Focus on the globally popular MD-2 variety (Golden Pineapple) known for its sweetness, low acidity, and long shelf life.
- Well-established agricultural infrastructure, including modern post-harvest processing and cold chain facilities.
- Strong trade relationships with the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.
Interesting Fact:
Over 90% of Costa Rica’s pineapples are grown for export, with the country supplying about 50% of the global fresh pineapple trade. Its pineapples are prized for their perfect ripeness, attractive appearance, and consistent quality.
Philippines — Asia’s Pineapple Giant
Annual Production: Around 2.8 million metric tons
Global Share: Approximately 10%
The Philippines is Southeast Asia’s largest pineapple producer and the world’s second-largest overall. The country’s tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil make it ideal for pineapple farming.
Key Production Areas:
- Mindanao — especially Bukidnon and Davao provinces.
- Luzon — including the provinces of Camarines Norte and Cavite.
Notable Points:
- The Philippines is home to global pineapple brands like Del Monte and Dole, which operate large commercial plantations alongside smallholder farms.
- The country exports both fresh and processed pineapples (canned, dried, and juiced) to Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, and North America.
- Varieties like Smooth Cayenne and Queen are popular for both local and international markets.
Indonesia — A Rising Pineapple Powerhouse
Annual Production: About 2.1 million metric tons
Global Share: Nearly 8%
Indonesia has quietly emerged as one of the world’s leading pineapple producers. With its vast tropical landscape spread across thousands of islands, the country has plenty of fertile, well-irrigated land suitable for year-round pineapple cultivation.
Major Growing Regions:
- Lampung (Sumatra)
- West Java
- South Sulawesi
Highlights:
- Indonesia focuses largely on local consumption, though its exports are growing.
- The country is a significant producer of processed pineapple products, including canned pineapple, jams, and juices.
- The variety Smooth Cayenne dominates commercial production due to its large size and juiciness.
India — The Sweet Spot of South Asia
Annual Production: Around 1.7 million metric tons
Global Share: About 6%
India is South Asia’s largest pineapple producer and one of the top five in the world. Thanks to its diverse tropical and subtropical climates, India grows pineapples both for domestic consumption and export.
Major Producing States:
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- West Bengal
- Kerala
- Tripura
Notable Points:
- Pineapples are widely used in Indian culinary traditions, from spicy chutneys to refreshing juices and desserts.
- Though most of India’s pineapples are consumed domestically, there is growing demand from Middle Eastern markets.
- The country cultivates varieties such as Queen, Kew, and Mauritius.
Nigeria — Africa’s Leading Pineapple Producer
Annual Production: Around 1.4 million metric tons
Global Share: Approximately 5%
Nigeria holds the title of Africa’s top pineapple producer. The fruit thrives in Nigeria’s warm, humid climate, with farming operations ranging from backyard gardens to large commercial plantations.
Major Growing Areas:
- Benue
- Cross River
- Ogun
- Kaduna
Key Facts:
- Nigeria’s pineapples are mostly consumed domestically, often sold fresh in local markets.
- The country is making efforts to improve post-harvest storage, processing infrastructure, and export logistics to tap into regional and international markets.
- Varieties such as Smooth Cayenne and Sugarloaf are commonly grown.
Global Pineapple Market Trends
The worldwide pineapple industry has seen steady growth over the past decade, driven by several key trends:
Health and Wellness Focus:
As people seek healthier, vitamin-rich, and immune-boosting foods, pineapples — high in vitamin C, bromelain, and antioxidants — have become increasingly popular.
Processed Product Demand:
Pineapples are widely consumed in processed forms like juices, canned slices, and dried snacks. This is especially popular in markets like the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
Sustainable Farming Practices:
Countries like Costa Rica and the Philippines are adopting eco-friendly and fair labor practices to meet growing consumer expectations for responsibly sourced fruit.
Conclusion
The top five pineapple-producing countries in the world — Costa Rica, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Nigeria — together account for a significant portion of global pineapple supply.
- Costa Rica leads the export market with its premium MD-2 variety.
- The Philippines balances fresh exports and processed products.
- Indonesia continues to expand rapidly in both fresh and canned markets.
- India provides the bulk of South Asia’s supply with unique regional varieties.
- Nigeria dominates Africa’s pineapple production, with strong domestic demand.
As global consumption of fresh and processed pineapples continues to rise, these nations will remain at the heart of the pineapple trade — bringing the sweet, tangy taste of the tropics to tables around the world.