Pineapples feel the pinch

A prickly situation: A farmer tending to his pineapple plantation. Producers and exporters to the Middle East have been urged to coordinate supply, improve logistics and comply with international quality standards.

JOHOR BARU: The ongoing conflict in Iran has begun affecting the export of Malaysian pineapples to the Middle East as shipping routes get disrupted while logistics costs rise.

According to Malaysian Pine­apple Industry Board (LPNM) chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, the impact so far has been more operational rather than a drop in demand from buyers in the region.