According to official statistics of China's Customs, the Philippines is the largest pineapple exporter to China. From January to May 2015, China imported 24,931 tons pineapples from the Philippines, a 65% increase compared to the same period last year.
China import pineapples mainly from the Philippines (88%), Taiwan (12%), and Thailand (0.3%). The average price from January to May 2015 for pineapples from the Philippines hovered around 1,23 USD, according to the same source.
“We are one of the leading pineapple importers in China. In 2015, we imported about 700 containers (equal to 1.05 million cartons) from the Philippines. The main varieties we import are Golden Pineapples MD2 and MG3. We import Philippine pineapples because they are available all year around and of very good quality,” says Mr. Jackson Zhong of Agrade Shanghai Company Limited, a Shanghai based fruit importer in China.
“Compared to pineapples from Taiwan, Philippine pineapples have a longer shelf life, of about 3-4 weeks after harvesting, and they are available all year around. Taiwanese pineapples have a good taste, but shelf life is much shorter: they only last about 1-2 week after harvesting. The Taiwanese pineapple is available only for about half year, from May untill October. The main varieties from Taiwan are: Golden Diamond, Milk Pineapple, Sugar Cane Pineapple, and Ripe-on-Tree Pineapple,” adds Jackson.
“China also imports pineapples from Thailand, but in very small quantities. There are no pineapples imported from South America so far. The markets in China are good this year. The average selling price is about 90 Yuan (12,80 Euros) per 12kg carton. Our import volume is expected to be increased in the year 2016”.
