Sri Lanka has exported its first consignment of fresh pineapples to Pakistan, marking a new milestone in the country’s agricultural exports and opening access to a new overseas market.
The first 20-foot container of fresh Sri Lankan pineapples (Ananas comosus) was packed for export today (21), with C R Exports (Pvt) Ltd handling the shipment.
The export follows technical discussions and cooperation between the National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) of Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which led to the establishment of the required phytosanitary arrangements for exporting fresh pineapples to the Pakistani market.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the Sri Lankan High Commission in Pakistan, the Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka and the Department of Commerce, together with the Department of Agriculture (DoA) and the National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS), were involved in facilitating the export.
Pakistan, with a population of around 252 million, is considered a high-potential market for Sri Lankan pineapples. The country imports around 2,000 to 5,000 metric tons of pineapples annually, valued at about USD 10 million.
Thailand and the Philippines are currently among the main suppliers to the Pakistani market. Sri Lankan authorities expect the country’s pineapples to gain a greater share of the market due to their quality, freshness and distinctive taste, as well as the geographical proximity between the two countries.
As part of the approval process, Mohammad Aqeed, an entomology researcher attached to Pakistan’s NPPO, visited Sri Lanka and inspected selected pineapple cultivation sites and packing facilities.
Following a technical assessment based on information and findings from those inspections, Pakistani authorities approved imports of fresh pineapples from Sri Lanka subject to the issuance of phytosanitary certificates by the NPQS.
All pineapples exported from Sri Lanka are required to be sourced from farms certified under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), while relevant producers and exporters must be registered with the DoA.
Sri Lanka earned around USD 2 million from pineapple product exports in 2025. Authorities said identifying and developing new markets such as Pakistan would be important to expanding agricultural exports and achieving the country’s export targets for 2030.
Efforts are also underway to explore opportunities to introduce other agricultural products, including avocados and oranges, to the Pakistani market.
The new export opportunity is also expected to help Sri Lanka maximise the benefits of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA) and further strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties between the two countries. (Newswire)