Ecuador is main pineapple supplier for Argentina
The tendency of the pineapple offer in the MCBA (Mercado Central de Buenos Aires) has been fluctuating over the years, however since the year 2013 it has been increasing. Last year 2016, over 2.478 tons of pineapples was offered, which is an increase of 10.8% compared to 2015.
In 2016, the majority of the pineapples offered in the MCBA was offered in December. From the 2.478 tons, 1.030 tons is offered in December. According to the information this is because of the habit of buying pineapples for the holidays. From all pineapples offered in the MCBA 66.9% is imported from Ecuador.
Varieties offered on the central market of Buenos Aires are the Smooth Cayenne (Cayenne Lisa), Hawaii (Hawaiana), Golden MD2 and Perola. The variety Pucallpa is imported from Bolivia and has characteristics such as having a simple crown without thorns, sizes bigger than over 2.5 kg, the color at maturity is reddish orange and the pulp has a yellowish color and it’s not very sweet. However, last year import from Bolivia accounted only 1.9% of the total supply of pineapples.