July 22, 2025 | BERNAMA |
New Zealand has requested an increase in pineapple imports from Malaysia, citing the fruit’s quality, safety, and strong consumer appeal, particularly the MD2 variety. The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) views this as a strategic opportunity to strengthen Malaysia’s export presence in high-impact markets.
LPNM chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said the board is implementing measures to meet international standards, including expanding planting areas with state government support, empowering entrepreneurs and smallholders, improving supply chain management, and ensuring food quality and safety. Cross-agency collaboration is also underway to boost production capacity.
The request follows positive outcomes from two export trial studies in 2024 and 2025, which tested downstream products such as frozen cubes, dried chunks, chips, ice cream, and pineapple energy gel. Feedback highlighted excellent taste, packaging, and compliance with food safety requirements.
In 2024, Malaysia exported 30,735 tons of pineapple-based products, worth RM1.73 billion, alongside 11,633 tons of fresh pineapples valued at RM23.07 million to over 20 countries, including China, Singapore, Japan, and the UAE. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi noted during his New Zealand visit that demand there reflects the potential for Malaysia to expand its pineapple export market further.
