Pineapple Juice, Brix Value Over 20 (Other)

The 'no vitamins or minerals added' qualifier in line 2009494000 distinguishes plain concentrated pineapple juice from vitamin-fortified versions. Juice with added vitamins or minerals may be classified differently — potentially under a nutraceutical or fortified-beverage provision — and may also trigger additional FDA labeling and ingredient-declaration requirements. Importers should confirm with the foreign processor whether any fortification occurs during concentration.

Costa Rica's proximity to the US provides shorter transit times and lower cold-chain risk for not-frozen concentrated juice, while Thailand and Indonesia — major global pineapple processors — typically ship frozen concentrate in bulk, which tolerates longer ocean transit. Importers relying on Southeast Asian sources should account for longer lead times, potential port congestion, and the need for frozen-storage capacity at the US port of entry when planning inventory cycles.