Benin’s pineapple sector faces challenges amid quality control issues
BENIN – A recent quality control controversy has brought attention to the structural challenges facing Benin’s pineapple export sector.
On July 11, 2024, a shipment of pineapples from Benin was flagged for excessive ethephon residues during a French distributor’s routine testing.
The detected level of 5.9 mg/kg far exceeded the allowable limit of 2 mg/kg, sparking debates about responsibility and trade practices.
Edouard Choubiyi, president of the Beninese Pineapple Exporters Association (AEAB), explained the situation. “The reality is that there is a technical route for production and marketing that each country must follow. If the product leaves Benin and lands in France, responsibility is shared because it is the authorities of that country who have allowed the product to penetrate the market,” he said.
Choubiyi also highlighted how the overdose issue was publicized on social media instead of through official channels, creating a negative perception of Benin’s pineapple sector.
Choubiyi expressed frustration over the dominance of importers in the sector. “Currently, we are dominated by importers, which is not normal.
Everyone goes it alone and wants to sell the fruit, sometimes at any price, to cash in his earnings,” he noted. This fragmentation weakens exporters’ bargaining power and threatens long-term sustainability.
The association has proposed a centralized system to streamline operations. By consolidating exporters into a single organization, Choubiyi believes quality controls and pricing issues could be addressed more effectively.
“If we have one company, it would amount to a single control, which gives importers much more assurance,” he explained.
Beyond quality issues, Choubiyi emphasized the need to better market Benin’s green pineapple. “French consumers are not yet informed of the benefits of this product. They consume with their eyes. They like colorful pineapple because they think green pineapple is not ripe when it is the same type of product,” he said. Educating consumers about the health benefits of green pineapple could help counter misconceptions and open new market opportunities.
France currently absorbs 80% of Benin’s pineapple exports, but efforts are underway to diversify. “There have been efforts towards China, which is a very attractive market,” Choubiyi revealed.
Although compliance with phytosanitary standards remains a hurdle, the association is making progress. “The file is very advanced. Soon, we will be able to launch our pineapple shipments by plane to this destination,” he added.
Benin’s challenges mirror broader trends in West Africa. In Côte d’Ivoire, pineapple exports have declined for a second consecutive year due to unfavorable weather and smaller fruit sizes, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
However, regional export volumes rose by 6% in 2024, driven by strong performances in countries like Cameroon.
Choubiyi remains optimistic about Benin’s prospects. “We can really reach the 12,000 tons that the government is aiming for export if the optimal conditions are met,” he stated.
Benin’s pineapple sector faces challenges amid quality control issues
BENIN – A recent quality control controversy has brought attention to the structural challenges facing Benin’s pineapple export sector.
On July 11, 2024, a shipment of pineapples from Benin was flagged for excessive ethephon residues during a French distributor’s routine testing.
The detected level of 5.9 mg/kg far exceeded the allowable limit of 2 mg/kg, sparking debates about responsibility and trade practices.
Edouard Choubiyi, president of the Beninese Pineapple Exporters Association (AEAB), explained the situation. “The reality is that there is a technical route for production and marketing that each country must follow. If the product leaves Benin and lands in France, responsibility is shared because it is the authorities of that country who have allowed the product to penetrate the market,” he said.
Choubiyi also highlighted how the overdose issue was publicized on social media instead of through official channels, creating a negative perception of Benin’s pineapple sector.
Choubiyi expressed frustration over the dominance of importers in the sector. “Currently, we are dominated by importers, which is not normal.
Everyone goes it alone and wants to sell the fruit, sometimes at any price, to cash in his earnings,” he noted. This fragmentation weakens exporters’ bargaining power and threatens long-term sustainability.
The association has proposed a centralized system to streamline operations. By consolidating exporters into a single organization, Choubiyi believes quality controls and pricing issues could be addressed more effectively.
“If we have one company, it would amount to a single control, which gives importers much more assurance,” he explained.
Beyond quality issues, Choubiyi emphasized the need to better market Benin’s green pineapple. “French consumers are not yet informed of the benefits of this product. They consume with their eyes. They like colorful pineapple because they think green pineapple is not ripe when it is the same type of product,” he said. Educating consumers about the health benefits of green pineapple could help counter misconceptions and open new market opportunities.
France currently absorbs 80% of Benin’s pineapple exports, but efforts are underway to diversify. “There have been efforts towards China, which is a very attractive market,” Choubiyi revealed.
Although compliance with phytosanitary standards remains a hurdle, the association is making progress. “The file is very advanced. Soon, we will be able to launch our pineapple shipments by plane to this destination,” he added.
Benin’s challenges mirror broader trends in West Africa. In Côte d’Ivoire, pineapple exports have declined for a second consecutive year due to unfavorable weather and smaller fruit sizes, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
However, regional export volumes rose by 6% in 2024, driven by strong performances in countries like Cameroon.
Choubiyi remains optimistic about Benin’s prospects. “We can really reach the 12,000 tons that the government is aiming for export if the optimal conditions are met,” he stated.