The Top 5 Countries That Grow the Most Pineapples in the World

Indonesia

Indonesia has been the global leader in pineapple production for a few years now. In 2022, they produced 3,203,775 pineapples, nearly 300,000 more than the 2nd-place spot. But why does Indonesia, a country in Asia, produce more pineapples than countries in South America where pineapple is indigenous? It turns out there are a few reasons. 

First, Indonesia has a pretty similar climate to places like Brazil and Argentina because they’re at nearly the same latitude despite being thousands of miles apart. Pineapples grow great in tropical climates and don’t tolerate any freezing temperatures. Indonesia is certainly a tropical country since it stays warm year-round and humid for most of the year. Humidity usually ranges from 70 to 90 percent, an amount that is perfect for pineapples. Because the whole country is pretty uniform in temperature and climate, there are almost no places where pineapples can’t be grown!

Another reason that Indonesia is the global leader in pineapple growing is because it can offer so many different types. Since the soil on Indonesia’s islands is made up of different nutrients, you’ll find pineapples in tons of shapes, sizes, and sweetnesses!

Philippines

Coming in second for countries that grow the most pineapples is the Philippines. The climate there is very similar to Indonesia, especially since they’re so close to one another geographically. In 2022, the Philippines produced 2,914,424 pineapples. One reason that they produce such a large number is because it’s a very popular fruit amongst citizens of the Philippines.

In the Philippines, pineapple leaves are used to make a fabric called pina textile. The lightweight fabric is made by weaving the fibers of the pineapple plant after drying them out. Citizens of the Philippines started making pina textile in the 1570s and it spread quickly due to its popularity amongst affluent society members. The textile was often made into women’s blouses, scarves, and table linens during the 16th through 19th centuries. Though the popularity of pina textile has faded, the love for the fruit remains strong in the Philippines! 

Costa Rica

With a less than 5,000 difference, Costa Rica comes in just behind the Philippines, having produced 2,909,750 pineapples in 2022. It’s easy to see why pineapples grow so well in the country — Costa Rica is humid and rainy with many fertile valleys. 

Despite so many places where pineapples grow well in Costa Rica, there are a few problems with the pineapple industry there. For one, they use more pesticides than many other countries in the world. Per hectare of cropland, Costa Rica uses an average of 18.2 kilograms of pesticides. In the U.S., only 2.5 kilograms per hectare are used on average — an astounding difference. Additionally, Costa Rican citizens are suffering from pesticide pollution in their water sources, and the animals are feeling the impacts as well.

Brazil

Brazil is the 4th largest producer of pineapples at 2,337,301 in 2022. It isn’t a very large exporter of pineapples because so many of them get eaten by residents and tourists. It’s true that Brazilians love pineapples, and they’re native to the country, so they grow wild in Brazil. 

One thing that sets Brazilian pineapples apart is their flavor, which is especially sweet. It’s no wonder that so many get eaten before they can be exported!

China

At 1,960,000 pineapples in 2022, China ranks 5th in pineapple production. Most of them are grown in the Guangdong province, followed by the Hainan, Guangxi, and Yunnan provinces. Most of the pineapples grown in China are sold within the country at local markets. 

Pineapples are also grown in China to extract bromelain, one of the main enzymes in the fruit. Bromelain is used in folk medicine to help with digestion and sinus issues.