A new pineapple development plan is set to be implemented, aimed at retaining Thailand’s status as the world’s largest exporter of canned pineapple and developing the country into a full-cycle pineapple production and processing center.

The plan, scheduled for 2023-2027, was acknowledged by the Cabinet on 11 April 2023. Toward this aim, emphasis will be placed on increasing the economic value of Thai pineapple in order to generate more income for farmers and industrial operators.

The new plan also seeks to develop pineapple varieties, manage productivity to create a balance for both demand and supply sides, enhance the capacity of all related networks in the supply chain, and promote the use of technology and innovation in pineapple production and marketing.

During the five-year period, production in the pineapple processing industry is set to increase by 10 percent a year, while exports of pineapple and pineapple products are set to rise by 1.5 percent annually and farmers’ income by 5 percent a year.

Thailand is expected to produce 1.65 million tons of pineapple in 2023. About 72 percent of the output is likely to be processed into various products for exports, while the remaining 28 percent will be consumed domestically.

Statistics show that Thailand exported pineapple in the form of products worth 23,869 million baht in 2022, accounting for an increase of 12.14 percent. Major importers of Thai canned pineapple include the United States, the Russian Federation, and Germany. 

One of the country’s most important fruit export items is canned pineapple, of which Thailand is the world’s leading exporter. It now holds a 32 percent market share of the global canned pineapple market. The Philippines comes second, with a 22 percent market share.

Prachuap Khiri Khan province has the largest pineapple planting areas and the most pineapple factories in the country, followed by Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Phitsanulok, and Rayong.