BOGOTA: As part of a plan to diversify exports advanced by the Government, Colombia firmly began moving its business to sell pineapple to several countries, including the United States.
According to ProColombia, “Colombian pineapple exports in 2014 amounted to 2.1 million dollars and the United States, a market where the consumption of this fruit has grown significantly since 2009 because of its health benefits, was the main destination with 36% of the market share.”
The agency reported that 40 countries are being targeted for the export of pineapples, including: Canada, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France and Chile (which are subject to eligibility requirements).
They recalled that the free trade agreement with the United States set a zero tariff for pineapple as long as it complied with the phytosanitary protocols required by the US authorities.
Among the factors that have benefited the entry of Colombian pineapple to the United States is the drought in some Northern states which has affected the production of this fruit and raised prices.
In turn, imports of the same grew by 11.7% in 2014 and amounted to $705.18 million dollars.
“Pineapples are associated with positive health effects, especially for weight loss. Additionally, the US government is making an effort to promote fruit consumption in the population, especially among children,” ProColombia stated.
Pineapple sale volume in the United States grew an average of 3.5% between 2009 and 2014. In the last year, they increased 0.7% to a total of 800,600 tons.
