“Costa Rica is the main pineapple supplier to the US East Coast,” says Anthony Serafino with New Jersey-based Exp. Group. “It makes sense because of the country’s geographic location and besides, Costa Rica has the best tasting pineapple,” he added. Rains are impacting the country’s supplies and US East Coast distributors and consumers are feeling it. “We are heading towards a price increase.”
Nicolas Sanchez and Anthony Serafino show a box of pineapples. Dole is one of the company's suppliers for pineapples from Costa Rica.
High demand
Lower supplies come at a time when demand for the tropical fruit variety is at is strongest. “We are heading into peak consumption season that stretches from May through August,” said Serafino. “Pineapples are a summer fruit that is more prone to consumption on the beach than in the snow. People love a pineapple in seasonal fruit smoothies, but the fruit is also popular on the BBQ or as an ingredient in a fruit salad or cocktail.” Exp. Group sells more pineapples during the May-August time frame than in the other eight months together.
Despite the weather-related supply issues, quality of the fruit is very good. “There is just not a lot of it,” shared Serafino. “This is the unfortunate reality of our business, but I cannot imagine seeing lower supplies all summer. I hope we are back to normal within the next month,” Serafino concluded.
For more information:
Anthony Serafino
Exp. Group LLC
Tel: (+1) 201-662-2001