Pineapple market situation remains challenging

The situation on the pineapple market will remain tense in the coming weeks. "Demand once again surpasses the offer", explains Nils Plieninger of Cobana Fruchtring GmbH & Co. KG from Hamburg. "Due to the fact that it was too humid in Costa Rica around this time, less seedlings were planted, meaning the offer is strongly reduced now. Only from calendar week 41 onward can we count on rising export."

Prices
Due to the limited availability, prices have noticeably tended upward, the expert explains. "Currently, the large calibres, which are especially desired at wholesale markets, cost between 12.00 and 13.00 Euro. 8er calibres cost around 10.00 Euro and with 7er calibres being between 10.50 and 11.00 Euro they are called for."

Quality and size
"Too few products are coming onto the market," says Plieninger. "but the quality and calibre of the available products are spot on." Costa Rica is currently the main supplier of pineapples for the German and European area. Partial amounts are coming from Africa and Panama. The fruits reach their target harbour by ship.

Less export in 2015
According to data from the Förderung des Fremdhandels (PROCOMER), pineapple exports diminished by 15 percent in the first quarter of 2015, compared to the same time in 2014. Furthermore, the export price dropped by 14 percent between January and April. So far, the export has generated 248 million USD, in 2014 this was still 289 million USD.

Nils Plieninger
Cobana Fruchtring GmbH & Co. KG
Tel. +49 (0) 40/30 30 5-230
np@cobana-fruchtring.de
www.cobana-fruchtring.com