The European Union, particularly France, continues to be the primary consumer of Cameroonian pineapples, with the United States also representing a notable market. The Competitiveness Committee, under the Ministry of Economy, states, "France (59%), Belgium (32%), and Italy (4.7%) are the top three buyers of Cameroonian pineapples. The United States, accounting for 32.2% of pineapple imports, represents a significant market opportunity."
Despite the interest from these markets, Cameroon's position in the global pineapple trade is relatively minor. The country ranked as the 37th largest exporter of fresh pineapples in 2023, a decline from its previous position, trailing behind other African nations like Côte d'Ivoire. The global pineapple market experienced a 7.3% increase in demand in 2023, yet Cameroon's market share remained at 0.1%, consistent since 2020.
The Competitiveness Committee's report suggests that Cameroon's limited share in the global market can be attributed to lower productivity and smaller cultivation areas compared to leading countries. "While the global demand for pineapples is significant, Cameroon's production per hectare is half of that in countries like Costa Rica," the report explains, referencing FAO data. Costa Rica and the Philippines dominate the global pineapple market, with substantial market shares in 2023.
Source: Business in Cameroon