JOHOR BARU: Malaysia aims to tap into the high-value New Zealand market for pineapples, following strong interest expressed by New Zealand authorities during Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s recent visit to Wellington.
Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) Chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali welcomed the development, describing it as a strategic opportunity to expand Malaysia’s pineapple exports into markets with high growth potential.
"The interest shown by New Zealand reflects growing international recognition of the quality, safety, and competitiveness of Malaysian pineapples, especially the premium MD2 variety, which is increasingly popular among global consumers," he said on Tuesday (July 22).
He added the board had conducted two trial export studies to New Zealand, in October last year and June this year, featuring value-added pineapple products such as frozen pineapple cubes, dried chunks, pineapple chips, ice cream, and energy gels.
"The trials received encouraging feedback in terms of flavour, packaging quality, and compliance with New Zealand’s food safety and import standards.
"LPNM is currently working with relevant agencies to assess Malaysia’s readiness and capacity to meet New Zealand’s strict export requirements," he said.
Sheikh Umar added that LPNM is committed to ensuring Malaysia can supply sufficient and consistent volumes of high-quality pineapples to meet international demand.
To support this goal, LPNM has implemented several strategic initiatives such as expanding pineapple cultivation areas, supporting growers and entrepreneurs, optimising the supply chain, and focusing on quality and food safety.
Sheikh Umar also said that according to 2024 data, Malaysia exported 30,735 metric tonnes of pineapple-based products including juices, canned pineapples, ornamental varieties, and agro-industrial technology (IAT) goods.
"Fresh pineapple exports amounted to 11,633 metric tonnes, valued at RM23mil, to over 20 countries including China, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan.
"Malaysia’s total pineapple export value for 2024 stood at RM1.73bil. These efforts reflect our commitment to strengthening the competitiveness of Malaysia’s pineapple industry through data-driven, technology-enabled, and market-focused strategies," he added.
Sheikh Umar expressed appreciation to Ahmad Zahid for his continued efforts in promoting Malaysia’s agricultural products, especially pineapples, on the international stage.
"With the support of all stakeholders, we are confident that Malaysia can emerge as a leading global producer of high-quality tropical pineapples," he added.
On Friday, Ahmad Zahid said that he found out during his five-day working visit that Malaysian pineapples were highly sought after in New Zealand.
"There is a high demand for our pineapples due to their quality, texture, and sweetness. However, export of Malaysian pineapples is currently very limited," he said.
Among the popular varieties with New Zealanders is the MD2 pineapple, considered a premium type known for its sweetness, low acidity, and fragrant aroma.
The MD2, sold locally and exported, is also known by trade names such as "Golden Ripe," "Super Sweet," "Rompine," or "Gold."
Malaysian MD2 pineapples are currently exported to several regions, including the Middle East and Europe.
Johor is the largest producer of MD2 pineapples in Malaysia, with other states like Perak also involved in their cultivation.
The MD2 pineapple is a key crop under Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme, targeted for increased production to meet both domestic and export demands.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Rural and Regional Development Minister, plans to discuss increasing pineapple cultivation with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
"I will also request the Selangor, Pahang, Johor, and Melaka state governments to increase pineapple cultivation on a large scale," he added, noting the vast potential for expanding exports due to high demand.
