"The market in Costa Rica has stayed strong for the beginning of 2017 with volumes lower and demand still good for the local juicing industry," explains Ben Butler from UK importer JEM Fruits. "This has meant that there have been less pineapples for export. Volumes seem to be looking better for the next 6-8 weeks, with some natural fruit likely to hit the markets towards June. The weather has been bad, but volumes vary over the different regions, prices will to rise through the summer. I don't see volumes recovering until the autumn."
Jem Fruit has a team based in Costa Rica where the company is in partnership with Fertinyc to procure fruit from Costa Rica for the United Kingdom and Europe.
"Having a team situated in Costa Rica gives us an opportunity to get as close to the source as possible, thus working to our advantage on so many different levels," said Ben. "We have sold JEM branded pineapples over the last 2 years and it has been a great success. We now have a strong market and catering presence with the JEM brand."
An important part of JEM Fruits' turnover continues to be pineapples and over the last 6-7 years the company has developed strong partnerships with various growers in Costa Rica, importing crown-on and crownless pineapples 52 weeks a year.
The JEM team in Costa Rica, control all logistics and quality control on a daily basis, with QC reports available on every departure. The company ships over 500 containers a year and continually challenges the supply chain and strives for a better product and service level.
JEM Fruits is an importer and exporter of fresh produce, established in 2009, JEM Fruits was formed by a small experienced team with over a 100 years trading knowledge, offering something new and unique within the fresh produce sector. Since then JEM Fruits has grown from strength to strength, and expanded its range of services providing functions such as, direct sourcing, fixed programme work, and instant trade options.
For more information:
Ben ButlerJem Fruits Ltd
Tel: +44 1622 689943
Email: ben@jemfruits.com
www.jemfruits.com