Cameroon’s pineapple exports hold steady amid global market competition
CAMEROON – Cameroon’s pineapple exports continue to maintain a steady position in the international market, despite facing stiff competition from leading producers and increased demand from the U.S. and European Union.
According to the Competitiveness Committee under the Ministry of Economy, “France (59%), Belgium (32%), and Italy (4.7%) are the top three buyers of Cameroonian pineapples, with the U.S. accounting for 32.2% of imports.”
Despite a global increase in pineapple demand by 7.3% in 2023, Cameroon’s share of the market remains stagnant at 0.1%, a figure that has remained unchanged since 2020.
The country ranked as the 37th largest exporter of fresh pineapples in 2023, with its production levels lagging behind those of major exporters like Costa Rica and the Philippines.
“While the global demand for pineapples is significant, Cameroon’s production per hectare is half of that in countries like Costa Rica,” the Competitiveness Committee explained, citing data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
This lower productivity and limited cultivation area have kept the country from fully capitalizing on the growing international appetite for pineapples.
Europe, particularly France, remains a consistent consumer of Cameroonian pineapples, while the United States has emerged as a promising market.
However, Cameroon faces challenges in increasing its production capacity to meet the growing demand.
Although the U.S. represents a notable opportunity for expansion, Cameroon’s overall export levels remain relatively small when compared to larger African producers like Côte d’Ivoire.
While the pineapple export market remains steady, Cameroon’s banana sector has seen significant growth. According to data from the Banana Association, exports surged by 15% in August 2024, reaching 16,105 tons.
“The United Kingdom alone captures about 13% of Cameroon’s banana exports, amounting to approximately 6.53 billion CFA francs (USD 11.01 million),” stated BKP Economic Advisors.
Leading the charge in the banana market is Plantations du Haut Penja (PHP), the largest subsidiary of the French agro-industrial group Compagnie fruitière de Marseille, which exported 11,424 tons in August 2024, up from 9,996 tons in the same period the previous year.
This 14.3% growth further emphasizes PHP’s dominance in the sector and its contribution to Cameroon’s overall export earnings.
For Cameroon to improve its standing in the global pineapple market, experts suggest that increased productivity and expanded cultivation are essential.
While Cameroonian pineapples continue to enjoy demand in established markets, the country must address its limitations in order to grow its market share.
As the Competitiveness Committee noted, “There is potential for growth, but without a substantial increase in production, Cameroon will struggle to compete with top pineapple exporters.”
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Cameroon’s pineapple exports hold steady amid global market competition
CAMEROON – Cameroon’s pineapple exports continue to maintain a steady position in the international market, despite facing stiff competition from leading producers and increased demand from the U.S. and European Union.
According to the Competitiveness Committee under the Ministry of Economy, “France (59%), Belgium (32%), and Italy (4.7%) are the top three buyers of Cameroonian pineapples, with the U.S. accounting for 32.2% of imports.”
Despite a global increase in pineapple demand by 7.3% in 2023, Cameroon’s share of the market remains stagnant at 0.1%, a figure that has remained unchanged since 2020.
The country ranked as the 37th largest exporter of fresh pineapples in 2023, with its production levels lagging behind those of major exporters like Costa Rica and the Philippines.
“While the global demand for pineapples is significant, Cameroon’s production per hectare is half of that in countries like Costa Rica,” the Competitiveness Committee explained, citing data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
This lower productivity and limited cultivation area have kept the country from fully capitalizing on the growing international appetite for pineapples.
Europe, particularly France, remains a consistent consumer of Cameroonian pineapples, while the United States has emerged as a promising market.
However, Cameroon faces challenges in increasing its production capacity to meet the growing demand.
Although the U.S. represents a notable opportunity for expansion, Cameroon’s overall export levels remain relatively small when compared to larger African producers like Côte d’Ivoire.
While the pineapple export market remains steady, Cameroon’s banana sector has seen significant growth. According to data from the Banana Association, exports surged by 15% in August 2024, reaching 16,105 tons.
“The United Kingdom alone captures about 13% of Cameroon’s banana exports, amounting to approximately 6.53 billion CFA francs (USD 11.01 million),” stated BKP Economic Advisors.
Leading the charge in the banana market is Plantations du Haut Penja (PHP), the largest subsidiary of the French agro-industrial group Compagnie fruitière de Marseille, which exported 11,424 tons in August 2024, up from 9,996 tons in the same period the previous year.
This 14.3% growth further emphasizes PHP’s dominance in the sector and its contribution to Cameroon’s overall export earnings.
For Cameroon to improve its standing in the global pineapple market, experts suggest that increased productivity and expanded cultivation are essential.
While Cameroonian pineapples continue to enjoy demand in established markets, the country must address its limitations in order to grow its market share.
As the Competitiveness Committee noted, “There is potential for growth, but without a substantial increase in production, Cameroon will struggle to compete with top pineapple exporters.”
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.