Pineapples are cultivated extensively throughout Mexico, a practice with deep historical roots dating back to pre-Columbian civilizations. The fruit, known scientifically as Ananas comosus, was cultivated by the Maya and Aztecs centuries ago. Today, Mexico utilizes its diverse tropical and subtropical environments to support large-scale commercial farming operations. This sector supplies a robust domestic market and growing international export channels, solidifying Mexico’s standing as a major pineapple producer.
Key Growing Regions
Pineapple cultivation requires the hot, humid conditions found in Mexico’s tropical and subtropical zones. The vast majority of production is concentrated in the southern and southeastern states, with Veracruz leading the nation in output. Veracruz contributes approximately 74% of the country’s total pineapple harvest, primarily within the Lower Papaloapan region.
Oaxaca is the second largest producer, with its Papaloapan Basin municipalities, such as Loma Bonita and Tuxtepec, being particularly suitable for the crop. The state of Tabasco also contributes a significant percentage to the national total, completing the trio of dominant growing regions. Cultivation also occurs along the Pacific coast, stretching from Sinaloa down to Chiapas, benefiting from high humidity and consistent temperatures.
Major Pineapple Varieties Cultivated
The most widespread cultivar in Mexico is the ‘Smooth Cayenne’ or ‘Cayena Lisa,’ grown for both processing and fresh consumption. This medium-sized fruit is known for its firm, pale-yellow flesh, high juice content, and a balance of sugar (12° to 16° Brix) and acidity. It remains the favored variety for the domestic market.
A more recent addition is the ‘MD2’ variety, often marketed globally as ‘Golden Pineapple’. This cultivar is gaining popularity for its excellent qualities, including high sweetness (up to 17° Brix), low acidity, and a long shelf life, making it highly desirable for the fresh export market. Mexico also cultivates native varieties, such as the piña de miel or ‘Honey Pineapple,’ recognized for its exceptionally high sugar content, sometimes registering around 28 on the Brix scale.
Mexico’s Global Production Standing
Mexico consistently ranks among the world’s top ten pineapple-producing countries, recently placing ninth globally with an annual output exceeding one million metric tons. Production is largely driven by domestic demand, as the country has one of the highest per-capita consumption rates for the fruit. Approximately 70% of the harvest is consumed domestically as fresh fruit.
Only about 5% of the total production is allocated for international trade, primarily exported to the United States and Canada. Despite being a smaller exporter compared to other global players, Mexico is currently the third leading origin of pineapple imports into the United States. Pineapple cultivation supports thousands of small growers and is considered a profitable and stable agricultural venture.