The Association of Pineapple Exporters of Benin renewed its governing bodies at the end of December, electing Choubiyi Edouard president. According to Choubiyi, "Only a tiny fraction of Benin's pineapple production is currently exported, and we need to step up our efforts."
The Association, which brings together twenty pineapple exporters, has designated increasing export volumes its top priority. While national production exceeds 400,000 tonnes (INSAE Benin, 2020), only 3,000 tonnes are exported yearly on average according to Choubiyi. The industry relies on a single market, France, which accounts for 85% of exports.
Choubiyi says, "Obviously, we need to work on diversifying our markets and promoting pineapple of Beninese origin. The key is to promote green skin color pineapples, of the Pain de Sucre (sugar loaf) variety, which is not yet well popular in European markets." According to the exporter, the Chinese market is particularly attractive, and discussions to export Beninese pineapples to China have reached an advanced stage.
"In parallel with promotional efforts, we are working on launching the protected geographical indication Plateau d'Allada, a region growing very high-quality pineapples that stand out from pineapples throughout the sub-region, and which has a specific aesthetic and gustatory aspect," Choubiyi adds.
Logistics, which has always been the brake on the expansion of Benin's pineapple exports, remains the main area for action to boost them. Choubiyi says "Our airport only serves a few direct flights abroad, which limits our markets. We look forward to the opening of new lines and also the increase of cargo space in flights to our main market in France."
"In addition, the opening of a new wholesale market in Akassato, 30 km from the capital Koutounou, which meets international standards and was inspired by the Rungis market, is very helpful. In this market, storage warehouses will add to the permanent warehouses at the airport, which will facilitate our work," continues the exporters' representative.
At the management level, the industry is mobilizing through the association to obtain better prices. Choubiyi says, "We're working on setting up a grouping system that will help us get more consistent prices, and help our members navigate the transition to stricter MRL standards in Europe."
"We are working closely with the government and communicating our concerns to the Investment and Export Promotion Agency, which reports directly to the President of the Republic," Choubiyi concludes.
For more information:
Association of Pineapple Exporters of Benin
Choubiyi Edouard
Tel: +229 97 32 54 41
Email: [email protected]