Pineapple industry board backs move to expand exports to New Zealand

New Straits Times

5 days ago

JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) has welcomed New Zealand's proposal to boost Malaysian pineapple imports into the country, calling it a strong endorsement of the fruit's quality and export potential.
The proposal follows Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's recent official visit to New Zealand, where the New Zealanders expressed keen interest in sourcing more premium Malaysian pineapples, particularly the MD2 variety.
LPNM chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said the board sees the development as a strategic opportunity to widen Malaysia's high-impact export reach in the Asia-Pacific region.
"New Zealand's interest reflects global confidence in the quality, safety, and competitiveness of Malaysian pineapples. This momentum must be seized," he said in a statement today.
Two export trial studies conducted by LPNM in October last year, and last month, revealed the country's pineapple-based value-added products such as frozen pineapple cubes, dried chunks, pineapple crisps, pineapple-flavoured ice cream, and energy gels, were well accepted by foreigners.
The trials also confirmed compliance with New Zealand's food safety and import standards, he said.
LPNM is now working with relevant agencies to assess the country's readiness to meet full export requirements for fresh and processed pineapples.
To ensure a sustainable supply and meet rising international demand, LPNM has rolled out several key strategies. These include expanding cultivated land with support from state governments.
Sheikh Umar said incentives and training would be provided to smallholders and entrepreneurs to boost productivity and participation. The board is also strengthening supply chain management to ensure smooth distribution from farm to market.
In addition, LPNM is prioritising strict adherence to quality and food safety standards through certifications such as MyGAP, GLOBALG.A.P., and HACCP.
He added inter-agency cooperation to streamline export procedures, including quarantine compliance and facility audits, were also areas that will be further enhanced.
In 2024, Malaysia exported 11,633 metric tonnes of fresh pineapples worth RM23.1 million, 30,735 metric tonnes of processed pineapple products, including juice and canned varieties, to over 20 countries such as China, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and Japan.
The country's total export value of pineapple products last year reached RM1.73 billion.
"LPNM remains committed to reinforcing Malaysia's competitiveness in the global tropical fruit market through data-driven, tech-focused and sustainable approaches," Sheikh Umar said.
He also extended the board's appreciation to Zahid for promoting pineapples on the global stage, expressing confidence that Malaysia can become a leading global supplier of premium tropical pineapples.