"Pineapple producers in the Dominican Republic continue to work hard and steadfastly to regain their position as an important pineapple supplier in the international market. They have managed to overcome important challenges, mainly the massive reproduction of planting material. The Dominican Republic managed to transform the production of pineapple in a period of only three years, said Fabio Giuntoli, from Frutas Chiara, a Dominican company dedicated to the production and export of pineapple.
At present, he said, exports are growing at an annual rate of 30%. "This new production will allow us to once again become a major player in the world pineapple market." Fabio forecasted a fast growth because each plant generates 3 or 4 new plants after the harvest. "We are growing, but we're also improving, applying technology and dedicating resources to improve the plantations, obtain certifications and qualify the workforce.
There are still many opportunities for our sector, there is land and labor that has been qualified over time, that allows the expansion of production. However, we have to grow based on a program, which means that production and exports have to progress to the same extent."
Last year alone, 9,000 tons of the total pineapple production were exported. 80 to 90% of the production is sold in the domestic market. "Our domestic market is very profitable, but it is also very demanding, as it requires high quality due to the enormous importance of tourism. In terms of exports, our main destination is Europe, with most going to Italy, along with Spain and Switzerland. The demand for our fruit always exceeds our production due to the prestige we have achieved because of our fruit's quality. The immediate challenge is to increase production to meet the international demands, even without opening new markets, " Giuntoli stated.
Fabio said that volumes were small and that exports were mainly sent by air. The main destination for Frutas Chiara is Italy, where Mr. Giuntoli came from. "We are looking for niches in the market that are willing to pay a higher price for the quality products we offer. We always make sure that the pineapples are delivered within 48 hours of harvest, but our consumers usually enjoy our pineapple between 24 and 30 hours after being harvested.
Organic production is a trend in the horticultural market but, Giuntoli said, but at the moment it is not possible for the Dominican pineapple. "First we would like to consolidate the conventional production of our pineapple. Maybe it's something we will consider in the future, but everything in its time." Another trend is pineapples without a crown, which according to Giuntoli is an extravagance, as he believes the pineapples is the queen of fruits and needs to wear a crown, so to speak. "It is a beautiful fruit and that includes its crown, which also shows how good its quality is. Getting rid of the crown may allow cost savings, but we export to niches that are willing to pay a higher price, so we only ship high quality and attractive fruit."
According to the exporter, the advantage of the Dominican pineapples is, undoubtedly, its taste and quality. "Our country receives more sun than other pineapple producing countries, so the brix level of our fruit is high and that makes our pineapples extra sweet. In addition, our geographical location offers us logistic advantages, as we can send our pineapples by ship to Europe in 7 days less than from Puerto Limón, Costa Rica. In our sector, we know that 7 days make a big difference. The perfect pineapple for export weighs about 1,8 kilos (from 1 to 2 kilos), everything that is bigger remains in the national market."
Frutas Chiara is a member of the Apropic pineapple producers association, the largest pineapple producer association in the Dominican Republic, with more than 130 producers and more than 2,000 hectares of cultivation. "It may seem small, but it is a big association for a country like ours," he said. Before, Giuntoli was the only exporter, but today there are several companies. Frutas Chiara has Global Gap and Fair Trade certifications. It has 30 employees, and works with 5 brands to export its pineapples. All the pineapples of the association come from Monte Plata and Sanchez Ramirez, and are packed in a modern packer of the Association in the city of Cevicos, which is an icon in the country for its pineapples. These are poor regions, but the pineapple sector thrives and its inhabitants benefit from it. "
"In recent months it has rained more than usual in the country, after a long period of drought, followed by a few months of rain, which has affected some crops. However, pineapple cultivation is very strong and has not been affected by these rains so far, although the damages suffered by the roads and the great humidity make it difficult to work in the field," Fabio Giuntoli said.
More information:
Fabio Giuntoli
Frutas Chiara
Dominican Republic
T: 809 904 1440E: clearfruit@claro.net.do