Costa Rica pineapples record growth in Q1
Costa Rica's pineapple export values rose 4.9% to US$242.9 million in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, website Noticias.Terra.com reported. 
Costa Rican Foreign Trade Minister Anabel González announced the result at a press conference, releasing figures showing the country's agriculture sector exports had grown 7.5% during the period.
Coffee exports grew rapidly by 44.3% to US$177.8 million during the quarter, while banana exports fell 4.2% to US$234.6 million, the story reported.
González said total Costa Rican exports grew 5.2% to US$3.35 billion, with the U.S. as the biggest importer of Costa Rican produce, purchasing around 38%.
Central America was the second largest export destination at 20%, followed by the European Union (19%) and Asia (11%).
Related stories: Costa Rica: pineapple growers blamed for eco degradation
Subscribe to our newsletter
