The Los Angeles-based company is working with Bengala Agrícola to offer a 52-week program of the Costa Rican MD2 golden pineapples grown in Valle de Cauca, Colombia.
“With Colombia, we don’t get the severe weather patterns other countries get at certain times—the supply is a bit more steady. There are no issues such as rainy seasons to interrupt and replant,” says Giumarra’s Jason Bushong. “Also, the pineapples have a very high BRIX. Our grower Bengala is using certified MD2 Costa Rican pineapple seed. It’s the premium seed and the consistent supply that puts Colombia as a supplier in a good position.”
Full market?
That said, the pineapples are arriving into what is already a bit of a saturated market. “It seems like there’s quite a bit of Mexico product at the moment as well as Costa Rican so it sounds like August had a lot of pineapples and there’s a bit of carry over,” says Bushong. “But people are looking for a more consistent product so Colombia fits that niche.”
While the U.S. Department of Agriculture is reporting pricing in the range of $9-$12/box, it depends somewhat notes Bushong. “There may be some aged inventory in the market being sold at a lower price,” he says.
Demand to rise
That said, looking ahead Bushong anticipates a pick up in what is currently a steady demand for pineapple. “Based on historical data, we expect we’ll see a rise in demand going into late fall early winter,” he adds. “So we’re ramping up supplies as we speak with that in mind.”
For more information:
Jason Bushong
The Giumarra Companies
Tel: +1-213-627-2900
jbushong@giumarra.com
www.giumarra.com