The Ghana Business Development Review report 2018 has revealed that the country’s share of the International Pineapple Export Market has declined sharply from 10 percent in 2004 to 3 percent in 2014. According to the report published by the University Of Ghana Business School (UGBS), gains from pineapple exports had hit $25million in 2004 but decreased to $17.5million in 2014.

“Ghana had a 10 percent share of the international pineapple export market in 2004, but as in 2014, ten years on, the share had declined to 3 percent. Pineapple export was generating $25million in 2004 but had fallen to $17.5million by 2014 – a shortfall of US$7.5million,” the report states.

Out of 51 exporters in 2004, only seven were left in the business by 2014.

Another report by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), an institute, charged with the promotion of non-traditional exports, confirms the country’s dwindling fortunes in the pineapple sector. On average, states the report, the exports declined by 30 percent per year between 2012 and 2016. This is reflected by exports to all large European markets, wher Ghanaian growth performance lags behind the general trend.

According to myjoyonline.com, the UGBS report attributes the situation to some challenges the agriculture sector has long been facing: including changes in climatic conditions, land acquisition problems, escalating prices of fuel, and shortages of fertiliser and agriculture inputs.