This pineapple variety, which is not very common outside the country, is specially requested in Iran, to where Thailand exports 65% of the production; Kazakhstan, (20%); and Russia, (15%). "We would like to start opening the market in Europe and the US," says Ivan Nikitov, an independent exporter. These markets, he said, are especially attractive to Thailand because consumers have higher purchasing power and because importers work very well and are formal.
A mini pineapple costs 1.70 dollars FOB in the international market. It is a fruit that Thailand produces throughout the year, so this value does not suffer major fluctuations. When asked what other countries may pose a competition for Thailand in this product, Nikitov says that it is difficult to know because it is not a well-known product.
