Panama is expected to increase pineapple exports in 2012 by around eight million cartons at a value of US$56 million, with new markets in Russia, Turkey and Asia, news agency Xinhua reported.

A government representative told Xinhua trade commitments were made at trade fair Fruit Logistica earlier this month by businesseses from the La Chorrera and Chiriqui areas of the central American country.

National Director for Export Promotion Ramiro Franceschi said buyers would be coming to Panama this week to inspect plantations and finalize contracts, the story reported.

He told the news agency that Panama exported around $30 million worth of pineapples in 2010, while the quantity of exports will likely double in the coming years. In addition to deals with Russia and Turkey, Franceschi raised the possibility of exports to Japan and other Asian markets.

Panama's government estimates 30,000 of its citizens indirectly benefit from pineapple production, the story reported.

Photo: Flickr, ECohen

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com