Global Pineapple Market Trends: How Are They Reflected in Georgia?

Global demand for pineapple has been steadily rising in recent years. In 2024, the global pineapple market reached approximately $30.8 billion, with an average annual growth rate of around 3.8%. The primary driver behind this growth is the increasing popularity of healthy lifestyles and consumer interest in tropical fruits, especially in developed markets like the United States, the European Union, and major Asian countries.

Pineapple is not only a popular tropical fruit but also a fascinating economic product. For developing countries, especially in Latin America and Southeast Asia, pineapple production and exports represent significant sources of income and economic growth. Additionally, pineapple holds particular value on international markets due to its versatile uses, ranging from fresh consumption to applications in the confectionery, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, with usage expanding annually.

Major importers of pineapple include the United States, EU countries, and China, collectively accounting for nearly 60% of global imports. The largest exporting nations are Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Ecuador, which together provide over 70% of the world’s pineapple exports.

Notably, environmental and social sustainability standards in pineapple production are becoming increasingly important, driven mainly by strict regulations in European and North American markets. This trend significantly affects prices and the global supply-demand balance.

In Georgia, pineapple is entirely imported, and its consumption continues to grow each year. According to Geostat, Georgia’s pineapple imports reached $2.2 million in 2024, indicating a steady growth trend compared to previous years. In 2020, imports amounted to just $1.4 million, highlighting an average annual growth of approximately 12-14%.

One key driver behind the increasing pineapple consumption in Georgia is changing consumer behavior: recent years have seen growing interest in healthy and tropical food products, particularly in major urban areas. The expansion of retail chains, supermarkets, and hypermarkets has made exotic fruits like pineapple more accessible. Additionally, the growth of Georgia’s tourism sector has contributed significantly to increased pineapple usage, especially in restaurants, hotels, and cafés.

Although Georgia is not yet a significant player in the global pineapple market, the current growth trends highlight the importance for Georgian importers to ensure product quality and stable supply chains. Adapting rapidly to international standards and meeting rising consumer demand will be essential to maintaining this positive trajectory.