Diversified demand shields Malaysia’s pineapple exports from West Asia crisis — LPNM
JASIN, April 19 — Malaysia’s pineapple export industry remains resilient despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, thanks to strong and diversified demand from global markets, according to the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board.
Director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M. Salleh said the country’s reliance on Middle Eastern markets is relatively limited, helping cushion the impact of regional instability.
Broad market base reduces risk
He explained that exports to West Asia account for only around 15 to 20 per cent of Malaysia’s total pineapple exports, while demand from Asia-Pacific countries such as China, Singapore, Japan, Australia and New Zealand continues to drive growth.
This diversified market base allows exporters to redirect supply to alternative destinations if disruptions occur in specific regions.
Demand continues to outpace supply
At the same time, Khairuzamri acknowledged that Malaysia’s current production levels are still insufficient to meet global demand, particularly from China, where consumption has been rising steadily.
Malaysia currently produces about 530,000 metric tonnes of pineapples annually, but this falls short of fulfilling international market needs.
To address this gap, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is targeting exports of up to 4,000 containers per month by 2027, although current supply stands at approximately 1,700 containers.
Self-sufficiency supports domestic stability
Despite export challenges, Malaysia’s pineapple industry has achieved a self-sufficiency rate of 102 per cent, meaning domestic demand is fully met without the need for imports.
Local consumption has also increased, with Malaysians now consuming around 12 kilograms of pineapple per person annually, particularly premium varieties.
Value-added innovation from waste
In addition to fresh fruit exports, the industry is exploring value-added opportunities through the production of silage made from pineapple waste.
This initiative provides livestock farmers with a lower-cost feed alternative while creating additional revenue streams for pineapple producers.
A collaboration between LPNM and the Jasin Correctional Centre has already produced nearly 19 tonnes of silage since 2024, with a market value ranging between RM10 and RM12 per kilogramme.
Growing participation among entrepreneurs and youth
The sector continues to attract strong participation, with nearly 200,000 registered pineapple entrepreneurs nationwide.
Melaka remains a key cultivation area, while youth involvement is being strengthened through government initiatives such as the Agropreneur programme, which has supported over 1,000 young participants in the state.
Overall, the industry’s ability to diversify markets, innovate and expand production capacity highlights its resilience and growing importance in Malaysia’s agro-food economy.
-wilayah.com.my
