(Editor’s Note – This original post from December 2009 has been updated to reflect current Costa Rica vacation details. Please note that current Costa Rica tours include Costa Rica coffee plantation tour instead of a pineapple plantation.)
Pineapples are grown in many parts of the world including Costa Rica, Brazil and the Philippines. Temperatures and other conditions necessary to produce pineapples, limit their growth to tropical and sub-tropical regions.
Costa Rica Pineapple Production
Costa Rica pineapple plantations have experienced tremendous growth in the past decade. In 2001 Costa Rica pineapple exports exceeded 300,000 tons and now this small Central American country leads the world in pineapple production and exports.
In 2007 and 2008, companies who grow and export Costa Rica pineapples began to take steps to address the issues associated with the rapid growth of the Costa Rica pineapple industry.
Even though over 23% of Costa Rica is now protected within wildlife nature refuges, National Parks and reserves, thankfully, Costa Rica pineapple plantations do not encroach upon these protected lands.
Pineapples and the Costa Rica Economy
The Costa Rica pineapple industry has had a positive affect on the local Costa Rica economy contributing more than $500 million dollars. The success of the pineapple industry in Costa Rica continues to attract international investors and farmers.
The industry has grown to such an extent that agents for commercial real estate companies currently offer many listings for pineapple plantations for sale.
These Costa Rica pineapple plantations range from 99 hectares to 2000 hectares in size (one acre equals about .4 hectare) with some in full production and others in the pre-production stage. Prices for each Costa Rica pineapple plantation seem to vary widely, depending on location and whether the site is producing or non-producing.
Costa Rica Pineapple Export
Did you know that Costa Rica is the largest supplier of pineapples to the US?
Currently, about 75 percent of the pineapples sold in the United States are Costa Rica pineapples. As early as 1996 there was more land used for pineapple plantations in Costa Rica than for coffee or banana plantations. Pineapples are now Costa Rica’s premier export crop.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is actively involved in pineapple production in Costa Rica, helping poor populations reap benefits from their native products.
Pineapple Plantation Tours in Costa Rica
Pineapple plantations in Costa Rica have since become a fascinating tourist attraction, in addition to being a major factor in the commercial economy.
Costa Rica pineapple plantation tours allow tourists to witness firsthand the handling and packing of this fruit for the world markets. Some Costa Rica pineapple plantation tours offer fruit salads and milk shakes in addition to samples of freshly picked pineapple. Whole pineapples are also available for purchase in some locations.
All Inclusive Costa Rica Tours
You’re bound to enjoy eating fresh Costa Pineapple during Caravan’s all inclusive Costa Rica tour package.
Currently, Caravan’s Costa Rica vacations include a coffee plantation tour, as well as driving past Costa Rica pineapple plantations plus other local crops like sugar cane, teak, and oranges.
Visit Caravan’s Costa Rica tour reviews page to read what others have said about Caravan’s all inclusive, fully escorted Costa Rica tours.