A more robust pineapple industry may be expected in the Philippines within the year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday.

This came as the country hit around USD787.12 million worth of global exports of pineapple and pineapple products in 2024, a 7.5 percent annual hike from 2023 based on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s data.

The majority of the pineapple exports were allocated to China amounting to USD183.43 million.

In an interview, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said a higher output may be achieved within the year.

“This year, in-expect natin na malampasan pa natin iyon at lumago pa sa (we are expecting to surpass it and further grow to) 3.12 million metric tons (MT),” he said, citing last year’s 2.9 million MT of pineapple output.

De Mesa, in particular, said around 44 MT of pineapple production is projected per hectare.

He underscored its significance considering the “growing demand” from China, the country’s top pineapple destination, and Europe.

De Mesa also assured continuous government support to the pineapple industry, including distribution of inputs, machinery, and technology.

“Tuloy-tuloy yung R&D [research and development] na mga projects natin (Our R&D projects are ongoing). And we’re also focusing on organic kasi isa rin iyon sa (because that’s one of the) niche markets,” he said.

To date, there are almost 24,000 pineapple farmers all over the country, the majority of which are in Mindanao. (PNA)