To China in a month
He sees a rising demand for pineapples from Eastern Europe and Russia. "The interest in Asia is also increasing and in a few months, after finalising the protocol, Costa Rica will also export to China. The United States remains the largest importer of Costa Rican pineapples, followed by the Netherlands, with a much lower volume." Gilles indicates that the demand for increasingly ripe fruits is growing and will continue to do so. "In Costa Rica all pineapples are harvested ripe, but we see a trend in which customers want (even) riper fruits. We only transport our fruits by boat."
Almost 1000 hectares, of which half protected
The products are supplied to Univeg, the fresh division of Greenyard. "If there were shortages in Costa Rica, we also have contacts with growers from other countries such as Panama and Ecuador, so that we can get extra products from there if needed." He continues: "Our company in Costa Rica has a total of 982 hectares of land and around half of the surface of our two cultivation companies is protected, which ensures a CO2 positive result. Our 503 hectares of protected surface consist of forested areas (primary and secondary forests, forest rejuvenation) and swamps."
Decrease in area
The area planted with pineapple in Costa Rica has decreased from 45,000 to 38,000 hectares. "Only one variety is grown in this country, the MD2. In recent years a lot has changed in pineapple cultivation. In Costa Rica, large multinationals have taken over a lot more of the pineapple business as many of the smaller and medium growers have gone broke. At the moment around 10% of the Costa Rican pineapple production remains in the hands of small or medium independent growers and we are one of them."
Climate biggest threat
Gilles indicates that climate is the biggest threat to pineapple cultivation. "In 2016 the volume remains reasonably low due to the flooding in 2015. A low volume is also predicted for 2017, but this time it is due to the droughts in 2016. Due to these droughts most farms couldn't plant due to a lack of seeds." He is reasonably optimistic about the future of the Costa Rican pineapple. "After various tests in other Latin American countries, we have determined that Costa Rica is still the best country in which to produce pineapples, thanks to the climate and the company environment. The volume will remain low in 2017 and importers such as Russia, Eastern Europe and Asia are demanding more volume, which will certainly help maintain good market prices."
"Big example in Costa Rica"
TFFG Costa Rica, exports the volumes of the two Univeg cultivation companies, but also other volumes from independent growers. "The sales are made under the brands 'Royal Coast', 'Kapoté' and other private brands. We are a member of the organisation 'Biodiversity Partnership Mesoamerica'. They aim to make collaboration and investment between the private sector and local communities easier - to promote international collaboration and to keep a focus on productive, sustainable development." Besides the focus on sustainability, the company is also focused on socially responsible business. As well as producing pineapples in harmony with nature, we take care of our employees. We are the only (medium) cultivation company to pay so much attention to their welfare. Every employee has a contract, is covered by social security and is paid for the extra hours."
About The Fruit Farm Group
The Fruit Farm Group incorporates all former Univeg production companies in the countries Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentina, Surinam, Turkey and Uruguay. The companies no longer fall under Greenyard Food, but are completely independent. The reference shareholder is Mr Hein Deprez.
For more information:
Gilles Marit
The Fruit Farm Group Costa Rica SA
Centro Comercial Paseo Belén
Apdo: 298-4005
San Antonio de Belén
Oficina # 11, segundo piso
733 Belén, Heredia Costa Rica
T +506 2 239 8438
F +506 2 239 8439
www.thefruitfarmgroup.com