MANILA -- Production of pineapples is expected to be up in 2025, the Department of Agriculture said on Wednesday.

The country is expected to produce more than 3.12 million metric tons of pineapples this year, after producing 2.9 million metric tons in 2024.

"Lumalaki din kasi ang demand ng China, Europe at ibang bansa," Agriculture spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said Wednesday.

(The demand for pineapples in China, Europe, and other countries are growing.)

The volume of pineapple exports is also up due to higher production.

The agency attributes higher production to utilization of available technology.

"Maganda nito tuluy-tuloy ang research and development projects natin, we are focusing on organic isa kasi yun sa niche market," he added.

(We have continuous research and development, and we are focusing on organic because it has a niche market.)

There are currently 24,000 pineapple farmers in the country, harvesting 44 metric tons per hectare.

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