Historic Milestone in Sri Lankan Pineapple Exports to Pakistan
Marking a historic milestone in Sri Lanka’s fresh fruit exports, the first-ever 20-foot container of fresh Sri Lankan pineapples (Ananas comosus) was successfully shipped to the Pakistani market on August 21.
The consignment was exported by C R Exports (Pvt) Ltd, one of Sri Lanka’s leading exporters of fresh fruits and vegetables, marking a significant step forward in expanding market access for Sri Lankan fresh pineapples in Pakistan.
The intervention and close coordination of theSri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), Sri Lanka High Commission in Pakistan, Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka, and the Department of Commerce, together with the valuable technical support extended by theDepartment of Agriculture (DOA)and theNational Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS), were instrumental inachieving this milestone. This export opportunity was made possible throughprolonged technical discussions and close cooperation between the National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) of Sri Lanka and Pakistan, culminating in the establishment of the necessary phytosanitary arrangements to facilitate the export of fresh Sri Lankan pineapples to the Pakistani market.
With a population of around 252 million, Pakistan represents a market of high potential for Sri Lankan pineapples. Pakistan imports 2,000–5,000 metric tonnes of pineapples annually with an import value of approximately USD 10 million. Although Thailand and the Philippines currently remain the major suppliers to the Pakistani market, Sri Lanka is expected to gain greater share of this market due to distinctive taste,superior quality and freshness of Sri Lankan pineapples, coupled with the geographical proximitybetween the two countries.
To consider granting approval for this export process, Mr. Mohammad Aqeed, Entomologist of the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of Pakistan, visited Sri Lanka to inspect and audit the selected pineapple orchards and pack houses. Following a technical evaluation conducted in Pakistan based on the information and findings gathered during his visits to Sri Lanka, the Pakistani authorities granted approval for the importation of fresh pineapples from Sri Lanka, subject to the issuance of a Phytosanitary Certificate by the National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS) of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka ensures that all fresh pineapples exported from the country are sourced from Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-certified fields, while the respective producers and exporters are duly registered with the Department of Agriculture (DoA).
In 2025, Sri Lanka generated approximately USD 2 million in export revenue from pineapple products. The identification and development of new markets such as Pakistan are therefore vital to expanding Sri Lanka’s agricultural exports and achieving the country’s export targets for 2030. In addition to pineapples, efforts are also underway to explore opportunities for introducing other agricultural products, including avocados and oranges, to the Pakistani market in the future.
This new trade opportunity is expected to enable Sri Lanka to maximize the benefits of the Pakistan–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA), while further strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries.