Costa Rica, which is a major supplier of the MD2 golden pineapple variety, has seen pineapple acreage increase from around 12,100ha in 2000 to over 40,000ha in 2007, according to The Packer.

The main factor behind this huge increase has been rising demand for golden pineapples from European and North American consumers.

According to the USDA, fresh pineapple exports to the US increased from US$80m in 2004 to US$372m in 2007.

However, The Packer reports, there is concern among environmentalists that this remarkable growth in acreage could have negative consequences for the country’s biodiversity.

Topics