Benin signs agreement to improve fruit quality and market access
A new agreement in Benin’s pineapple sector seeks to improve traceability, ensure quality, and strengthen collaboration between growers and exporters.
BENIN – Benin’s pineapple industry has moved to strengthen its export systems following the signing of a key agreement between the country’s largest growers’ organization and pineapple exporters.
The deal brings together over 2,500 growers under a single traceability and sourcing framework led by the Benin Pineapple Exporters Association.
“This is good news for the entire sector, and comes at a time when we need to unite our efforts to achieve greater recognition for Beninese pineapple on international markets,” said Edouard Choubiyi, President of the Exporters Association.
Under the agreement, all exports from the member growers will be channeled through the Exporters Association. Choubiyi emphasized that this step is necessary to improve quality and eliminate malpractice.
“We have signed an agreement with the national federation of pineapple growers’ cooperatives in Benin, the largest growers’ organization representing over 2,500 members, to guarantee the traceability and quality of exported fruit. From now on, all exports from these growers will be made through the exporters’ association, while ensuring the sourcing of top-quality fruit.”
Improving coordination and accountability
Choubiyi pointed to past problems that had hurt the sector. “We had noticed the intrusion of parasitic actors in the export of fruit, who were escaping control. For example, some forwarding agents, and I don’t say all, engaged in dubious practices such as diverting customers to replace exporters. With the signing of this agreement, we are putting a stop to such practices.”
He added that the new system respects each player’s role. “This brings a great deal of traceability and respect for the role and expertise of each link in the chain, with the ultimate aim of better promoting Beninese origin. In this context, too, we announce that the Exporters’ Association is ready to receive customer complaints in the event of repetition of these practices, which are harmful to customers, consumers, exporters, and growers alike.”
Steady growth and forward planning
Benin currently produces about 477,000 metric tons of pineapples each year and is among the top producers in West Africa. The country is working to increase its exports to both regional and European markets.
Choubiyi confirmed that the association hopes to bring more growers into the agreement. “We’re continuing to make efforts to extend this agreement to more growers in the country.”
Looking ahead, pineapple production in Benin is expected to reach 425,620 metric tons by 2026, growing by 1.8 percent each year. Domestic consumption is also forecast to rise, with a projected 372,000 metric tons by 2026.
Efforts are also underway to support the sector with investments in cold storage and processing. These steps aim to improve exports of pineapple juice and dried fruit, offering better returns for growers while maintaining fruit quality from farm to shelf.
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