Sri Lanka has made a notable advancement in its fresh produce export sector with the shipment of its first container of pineapples to Pakistan. On August 21, C R Exports (Pvt) Ltd, a prominent Sri Lankan exporter of fruits and vegetables, dispatched a 20-foot container of fresh Sri Lankan pineapples to the Pakistani market, marking the country’s initial official entry into this sector.

This development is significant given Pakistan’s status as a large and growing market, with an estimated population of 252 million. The country imports between 2,000 and 5,000 metric tonnes of pineapples annually, valued at around US$10 million. Until now, major suppliers to Pakistan’s fresh pineapple market have been Thailand and the Philippines.

Sri Lanka aims to capitalize on this opportunity by promoting the distinctive taste, quality, and freshness of its pineapples, which are expected to appeal to Pakistani consumers. Additionally, the two countries’ close geographical proximity is seen as a logistical advantage, potentially enabling faster delivery times and fresher product arrivals compared to existing suppliers.

The entry into the Pakistani market aligns with Sri Lanka's broader efforts to diversify its export destinations and strengthen its fresh fruit sector. While it remains to be seen how Sri Lankan pineapples will penetrate and perform against established competitors, this initial shipment represents an important step toward expanding market access in South Asia.