Manila, March 19 -- A more robust pineapple industry may be expected in the Philippines within the year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday.

This came as the country hit around USD787.12 million worth of global exports of pineapple and pineapple products in 2024, a 7.5 percent annual hike from 2023 based on the Philippine Statistics Authority's data.

The majority of the pineapple exports were allocated to China amounting to USD183.43 million.

In an interview, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said a higher output may be achieved within the year.

"This year, in-expect natin na malampasan pa natin iyon at lumago pa sa (we are expecting to surpass it and further grow to) 3.12 million metric tons (MT)," h...