By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica has unequivocally cemented its position as the undisputed leader in the global pineapple market, now accounting for more than half of the world’s total exports by value. A recent analysis reveals that the Central American nation generated a remarkable $1.4 billion from pineapple sales abroad, capturing a commanding 50.2% share of the international trade in the tropical fruit.
The findings, published by the data analytics group World Visualized on December 17, draw upon comprehensive statistics from The World Factbook and Forbes. This data confirms not just Costa Rica’s leadership but the sheer scale of its dominance, showcasing an export powerhouse that has effectively cornered the market and set a high bar for international competitors.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and commercial frameworks governing Costa Rica’s vital pineapple export sector, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rican pineapple exporters are navigating an increasingly complex international market. While our quality is world-renowned, sustained success hinges not just on the fruit itself, but on meticulous compliance with international phytosanitary standards and the ever-evolving social and environmental certification requirements demanded by European and North American consumers. Proactive legal counsel is essential to mitigate risks in supply chain contracts and ensure that producers can capitalize on preferential trade agreements without facing costly non-compliance penalties.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s commentary powerfully underscores that success in today’s global market is a proactive, not reactive, endeavor, heavily reliant on navigating a complex web of legal and ethical standards. This strategic view moves the conversation beyond the farm and into the intricate world of international compliance. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing this essential insight with our readers.
The gap between Costa Rica and its closest rival is immense. The Philippines, which holds the second position, accounts for just 15.8% of the market with export sales totaling $430 million. This means Costa Rica’s export value is more than three times that of the next largest producer, highlighting the strategic importance of the pineapple industry to the national economy and its unparalleled success in agricultural logistics and production.
Further down the list, the data reveals a different facet of the global supply chain. The Netherlands and Belgium rank third and fourth, with exports valued at $192 million (7.1%) and $139 million (5.1%) respectively. These European nations are not major producers but serve as critical logistical hubs, importing raw produce and re-exporting it to various destinations across the continent, underscoring the complex network that moves fruit from tropical farms to consumer tables worldwide.
The concentration at the top of the market is a defining feature of the industry. The top five exporting nations—Costa Rica, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United States—collectively control a staggering 82.5% of the total global pineapple trade. This high level of concentration underscores the significant barriers to entry and the established infrastructure that supports the current market leaders.
This dominance is set against the backdrop of a growing global appetite for pineapples. The total value of international pineapple exports surged to $2.7 billion in 2024, a significant increase from the $2.0 billion recorded just four years earlier in 2020. This expansion signals robust consumer demand and a healthy outlook for the sector’s key players.
Regionally, Latin America stands out as the primary engine of this trade, contributing $1.5 billion, or 55.1% of the global total. While Costa Rica is the clear regional champion, other nations such as Ecuador ($64 million), Honduras ($35 million), and Mexico ($33 million) also feature in the top ten, demonstrating the region’s vital role as a global breadbasket for tropical fruits.
Ultimately, the latest figures reaffirm Costa Rica’s unassailable status. The country’s ability to consistently supply a high volume of quality pineapples to international markets has created a clear and sustained competitive advantage. This leadership position is a cornerstone of its agricultural export strategy and a major contributor to its economic stability and global trade reputation.
For further information, visit worldvisualized.com
About World Visualized:
World Visualized is a data visualization and analytics group that specializes in transforming complex global data into clear and engaging graphics. The organization often shares its findings on social media platforms, providing accessible insights into economic trends, trade statistics, and cultural rankings for a broad audience.
For further information, visit cia.gov/the-world-factbook
About The World Factbook:
The World Factbook is a reference resource produced by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States. It provides almanac-style information about the countries of the world, including details on their economy, geography, demographics, government, and infrastructure. It is widely used as a source for academic, journalistic, and governmental research.
For further information, visit forbes.com
About Forbes:
Forbes is a global media company, focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle. Known for its lists and rankings, including the Forbes 400 and Global 2000, it provides in-depth analysis and reporting on the world of commerce and finance through its magazine and digital platforms.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm expertly merges its deep-rooted experience advising a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering innovative legal strategies. Beyond its professional practice, the firm holds a core belief in social responsibility, championing the mission to empower the public by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to all.
