Pineapple prices hit a record high of VND 19 million/ton

In major pineapple-growing areas in Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh, traders and processing plants are purchasing pineapples directly from farms at very high prices.

In Ninh Binh, high-quality pineapples weighing at least 1 kg are being purchased directly by processing plants and traders for VND 18,000-19,000/kg, equivalent to VND 18-19 million/ton. Even smaller pineapples weighing between 300 and 800 grams are fetching an impressive VND 13,000-14,000/kg. These prices have fully offset the difficulties caused by the April and May price slump, generating profits far beyond expectations.

Harvesting is particularly busy in the pineapple-growing area of Dong Giao Foodstuff Export Joint Stock Company (DOVECO). The company’s specialized vehicles and traders’ trucks are lining up at the foot of the hills to weigh freshly harvested pineapples.

Mr Nguyen Van Giang, a resident of Dong Giao residential area in Tam Diep Ward, Ninh Binh Province, said enthusiastically: “The market has fluctuated recently, but thanks to our production partnership with DOVECO, we feel secure because all our pineapples are purchased, with a guaranteed minimum price when market prices fall. Pineapple prices have risen sharply at this time, so farmers are very pleased. High-quality pineapples weighing slightly more than 1 kg each are priced at VND 18,000-19,000/kg, including the crown. With an average yield of around 60 tons/ha, revenue exceeds VND 1.1 billion/ha. Income has risen far beyond expectations, so everyone is eager to work in the fields.”

The strong recovery in pineapple prices has also created a bustling atmosphere in another major growing area at the former Thong Nhat State Farm in Thanh Hoa Province.

Mr Nguyen Thanh Trung of Cam Van Commune, Thanh Hoa Province, said excitedly: “After prices fell during the summer months, everyone is delighted to see pineapple prices surge. Pineapples grown in Cam Van this year are large and uniform, with a very high proportion qualifying as grade one. Smaller mixed-grade pineapples weighing between 300 and 800 grams are selling for VND 13,500/kg, while high-quality fruit fetches up to VND 18,000/kg. The fruit is weighed on the spot as soon as it is harvested, with traders competing to buy it. Revenue of more than VND 1 billion/ha from farming, as pineapple cultivation currently generates, is a dream figure. It has fully offset the period of depressed prices and strengthened farmers’ confidence in continuing to grow pineapples.”

The sharp rise in pineapple prices following a period of stagnation has not only improved farmers’ livelihoods but also demonstrated the effective role of processing companies in connecting with growers and guaranteeing purchases. This opens up prospects for the sustainable development of major pineapple-growing areas nationwide.

Maintaining farmer-business partnerships for stable, long-term pineapple production

Raw pineapple prices have just reached a record VND 19 million/ton. With an average yield of 60 tons/ha, each hectare of pineapples currently generates revenue of more than VND 1.1 billion for growers.

However, just over three months ago, around April and May, pineapple prices at one point fell to a low of only VND 5,000/kg. This was because traditional cultivation methods were still used in many areas, allowing plants to flower and bear fruit naturally. Pineapples ripening simultaneously during the peak summer heat placed considerable pressure on distribution, causing localized oversupply and a sharp drop in prices. Once the main-season crop had been harvested, supplies in key growing areas became depleted, driving prices sharply higher.

Against this backdrop, the key solution is to establish close supply-chain partnerships between farmers and processing companies so that production plans can be coordinated with market demand.

Dong Giao Foodstuff Export Joint Stock Company is a notable example. DOVECO has worked with farmers to master techniques to induce flowering at specific times, helping to spread harvests evenly throughout the year and effectively preventing both oversupply and supply disruptions. When cooperatives and farming households enter production partnerships with DOVECO, their products are purchased at market prices and protected by a guaranteed floor-price policy. As a result, even during sharp market fluctuations, the company remains committed to purchasing farmers’ produce at no less than the agreed floor price.

Today, vast and picturesque pineapple fields stretch along both sides of the expressway through Tam Diep, Ninh Binh. Visitors may be intrigued by the unusual sight of farmers tying pineapple leaves together at the top. This is an important part of the staggered-harvest process. From October each year, the leaves are tied together to cover the plant’s growing point, protecting it from cold weather and slowing its growth. The ties are removed at the beginning of spring so that farmers can focus on tending and fertilizing the plants. Once the plants reach the optimal age and growth stage, farmers induce flowering using ethylene. This technique helps pineapples achieve the highest possible yields and quality while allowing the company to coordinate the entire production and processing chain flexibly. It ensures a year-round supply of raw materials for the processing plant and delivers sustainable benefits to farmers.

$ 1 = VND 26,250 - Source: Vietcombank.