The global pineapple market has seen a number of ups and downs recently, with lower production in its main country of origin Costa Rica impacting other markets. In the Netherlands, reduced pineapple plantings in Costa Rica have led to higher prices, from which larger growers have benefited. In Italy, the market is described as “unusual” due to low demand and the influx of summer and autumn products. Meanwhile, pineapple imports have increased in Spain, with a remarkable growth in the presentation of ‘other’ pineapples. In North America, the supply of pineapple from Costa Rica is stable, although demand may decrease. In Costa Rica itself, production is increasing again in time for Christmas. Panama is experiencing a rising demand for pineapples, while Ecuador’s pineapple production is gradually increasing after a recent dip.
Netherlands: Lower plantings in Costa Rica mean higher pineapple prices
In general, there are not large quantities of pineapple available from Costa Rica. “Due to the poor prices in recent years, many (smaller) growers have disappeared and therefore less has been planted,” says a Dutch importer. The larger growers that remain have planted normal volumes. This results in better prices on the market. For the common sizes 5 and 6 the price is around 12 euros, for size 7 11.50 euros is paid, for size 8 the sales price is around 9.50 euros, the price of size 9 is 9 euros and for size 10 8.50 euros. Due to the harvest time, we naturally expect slightly more volumes around the Christmas period, but otherwise there are no crazy things in store. The High Color pineapple is currently sold between 12.50 and 15 euros for sizes 5/6/7/8.
Germany: Pineapple market ‘little spectacular’
The pineapple market can currently be described as ‘unspectacular’. “There is no noticeable marketing pressure and sales of the boat products are going smoothly. However, the qualities are sometimes a bit lower. Mainly gold-colored pineapples from Costa Rica are offered, but also the more common pineapple from Ecuador. The latter is slightly cheaper on sale,” says a wholesaler.
Like other exotics, pineapple sells well, especially later in the year. “From the end of November, demand usually increases, with the 6/7 calibers in particular being popular on the wholesale market. The slightly smaller product (8 caliber) is particularly suitable for supermarkets.” The MD2 is still by far the most important variety, although the Sweet Cayenne pineapple is also well received during the Sinterklaas period.
Italy: ‘Unusual’ market for pineapples at the moment
It’s not a good time for pineapples right now. A major wholesaler in northern Italy says that the best top quality product is currently (early week 41) selling for €1.30-1.40/kg. These are not very high amounts, but the market is unusual. Due to the weather, there are still many summer products, but autumn products such as apples and pears are also making an appearance. The demand for pineapple is low.
The types of pineapple on the market are green pineapple, pineapple ripened on the plant and pineapple imported via air freight. The majority of imports are green pineapples transported by ship. About 70% of sales are in the hands of retailers; many greengrocers do not buy it for fear of having unsold stock and losing money.
According to the GfK Consumer Panel, pineapples are purchased by almost 8 million Italian families. The increase in the price of pineapple relative to a constant quantity is not helping to support pineapple sales during this inflationary period.
Spain: Imports from Spain are increasing
A detailed analysis of pineapple imports from Spain from January to July, consulting the latest data from the Customs and Excise Service of the Tax Authorities, shows an increase in imports of 11.4% in volume and 9.9% % in value compared to imports in the same period of 2022.
In the first seven months of the year, 99,060 tons were imported, compared to 88,950 in the same months of 2022, worth 81.87 million euros, while last year a total of 74.49 million euros were imported so far.
Taking into account the different tariff codes, there has been a notable decline in imports in the ‘dried pineapple’ category, which has fallen from 323.98 tonnes between January and July 2022, to 160.58 tonnes this year; ‘Fresh pineapple’ volumes have shown a slight contraction of 2%, while the bulk of imported volumes in the ‘other’ presentation category have increased by 14.5% to almost 84,000 tonnes.
North America: Supply of pineapple from Costa Rica back to a stable level
The supply of pineapple is currently stable. One shipper reports that there is a lot of product on the market and that the prices are good, aggressive and easy to promote. Some product comes from Mexico, but most of it comes from Costa Rica.
Compared to this time last year, supply and prices seem relatively comparable. Demand is slightly less, but this may also be because consumers are now tightening their belts and paying attention to what they spend.
This level of supply may seem similar to that of this time last year, but it is a different picture than even a few months ago. In mid and late summer prices were around $20 and now they are back around $10. That was mainly due to a shortage from Costa Rica at the time.
Prices are also likely to remain stable.
Costa Rica: Production is recovering in time for Christmas
According to a grower, production in the country is recovering after lower volumes after the natural flowering period, which usually leaves a large gap. Volumes fell overall across the sector. The growers say that the recovery of production will come in time for the Christmas period. They say that demand in Europe is not high at the moment, while supply is not high either. The prices are also not as high as expected, but they are stable.
Panama: Demand for pineapple is increasing
Panama is preparing to take advantage of the period from late November to February as they see lower supply from other major countries that supply the US and Europe. Growers in Panama say current demand for pineapples is increasing because the largest exporting countries do not have enough supply to meet current demand. They expect a peak in pineapple demand from late November to February.
Ecuador: Cultivation is increasing again
Pineapple production is increasing again after several weeks of reduced growth. In addition, they have noticed a decline in demand in key markets, but they are hoping for an improvement by the end of this month as their own production is back in full swing.
Next week: Overview of the world orange market