Pineapple sales continue to go smoothly. “Due to delayed boats from Costa Rica and scans at customs in the ports, there continues to be some scarcity,” says Mark Tieleman from Cool Fresh International. “A result of the delays is that demand continues to increase. After they arrive, there are plenty of large sizes, and prices of these are between 11.50 and 12.50 euro. There are hardly any small sizes (8/9/10), and these are therefore absorbed by the market. Prices for these are also good, around 11 euro, and the smallest are selling from 9.50 euro.”
“In Costa Rica, a lot of rain fell on one side during Hurricane Otto, but there was too little water and sunshine on the other side of the country. Because of that, pineapples have to stay on the plant for a longer period in order to get the right brix levels and colours, which results in shortages. The fruit that is available and exported, is fine quality, but because of the weather circumstances, there is also quite a bit of fruit with lower brix levels, and those are mostly sent to industry,” Mark explains.
“Last year, January also started mediocre, and during the second or third week, the market recovered. This has happened again and I therefore expect the good pineapple market to last until at least April. Despite the delays mentioned earlier, I think demand and prices will remain stable, and that stocks will be low because of this. For example, we have some fruit on all the different boats, making the distribution easier. Importers who use one specific shipping company, might have some more trouble because of this. It will then remain a challenge to keep customers satisfied at certain moments, but I do not think it will prevent the continuing demand,” Mark concludes.
For more information:
Mark Tieleman
Cool Fresh International
Tel: +31 883777105
Mob: +31 613226817
mark@coolfresh.nl
www.coolfresh.nl