Panama is starting to stand out in international markets with products such as pineapple and ginger, which are attracting growing interest in Europe and the Middle East. Thanks to the joint efforts of local producers and exporters, the country is shipping increasingly greater volumes, diversifying its destinations, and strengthening its reputation as a tropical fruit supplier.

During her participation in the Fruit Attraction fair in Madrid, Kimberly Rudas, representative of Industria 4.0 Panamá S.A., said that “Panamanian pineapples have remarkably improved their reputation in recent years. The company is currently exporting between 2 and 6 containers of fresh pineapples a week to Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, and is also seeing a greater involvement in the export process on the part of small independent producers. We are highly dependent on them; their fruit is of excellent quality and contributes to the growth of the sector and the rural communities.”

© Diana Sajami | FreshPlaza.com

The weather conditions in 2025 have been favorable for the production. Panama has had a less severe summer than in previous years, with moderate rainfall allowing a more uniform harvest. According to Rudas, the stable weather has allowed prices to remain constant and exporters to work with standardized values in an environment of more balanced competition.

Besides pineapples, Industria 4.0 Panama S.A. has also boosted the export of fresh ginger to Dubai, reaching around 4,000 kilos a week. “This product comes from rural families located along the border between Colombia and Panama, where it is grown on virgin land and harvested entirely by hand. We cannot compete in terms of prices with countries such as Brazil or China, but we can when it comes to flavor and spiciness, which are highly appreciated in this specialized market,” she says.

© Industria 4.0 Panamá S.A.

Despite the logistical difficulties experienced early in the year – due to the shortage of containers and port congestion – the situation has gradually gone back to normal. “Some clients even pointed out that, despite the delays, Panamanian fruit hadn’t lost its freshness and quality on arrival at its destination. One buyer told me that, after receiving the fruit 42 days late, he was surprised by the taste and texture,” says Rudas.

In its quest to make the most out of the national production, the company has also started shipping small volumes of lemons, malanga, and pitaya, meeting the specific needs of local growers. “In Panama, if we produce too much, the domestic market cannot absorb it; that is why it is important to seek new opportunities outside the country,” she says.

For more information:
Industria 4.0 Panama S.A.
La Chorrera, Corregimiento de Iturralde
Panama
Kimberly Rudas
Tel.: +507 6334-8964
[email protected]
www.industriapty.com