Panama is strengthening its role as a reliable supplier of tropical fruits and roots in global markets, supported by a climate that enables year-round production. While other countries in the region face disruptions from rain or drought, the Central American nation is solidifying its export position with products like pineapple, white yam, and Japanese pumpkin, boosting its presence in the Americas and opening new opportunities in Europe.
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Cariwox, led by Jean-François Hirson and Dilip Vadlamudi, employs a strategy focused on production continuity and market diversification. Based in Panama, the company mainly exports to the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada, and is preparing to expand its shipments to Europe.
Pineapple, available year-round, is a key product for the company. "We currently export three to four containers weekly and anticipate a 20% to 25% increase in volumes next year, fueled by the development of new cultivation areas," he said.
White yam, harvested from November to May, primarily supplies the Caribbean, with steady exports to Martinique, Guadeloupe, St Martin, and Puerto Rico. "Currently, we send two containers monthly, but we aim to increase to six containers per month next year, as we expand our plantations in Herrera, developing 10 to 15 hectares for this crop," he stated.
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Japanese squash (kabocha squash) is the latest addition to the Cariwox portfolio, primarily targeting the U.S. market, where there is high demand from consumers of Japanese, Korean, and Latin American backgrounds. "We plan to begin our first exports in early 2026, initially shipping about five to six containers per month throughout the year," he stated.
"In terms of prices, the white yam market is more stable, with values between 28 and 30 dollars per 50-pound box, while pineapple is more volatile, currently between 14 and 15 dollars per box, similar to last year's levels," he said.
Panama imposes a tariff of about 15% on exports to the United States, which is regarded as moderate and does not significantly affect the final price.
"Our shipments are made exclusively by sea. Shipments to the U.S. are made via Seaboard and shipments to the Caribbean and European markets through Maersk and CMA CGM," they added. Currently, Cariwox only markets fresh products, but the company is evaluating the possibility of incorporating refrigerated or processed product lines in the future.
"In addition to managing its own exports, Cariwox provides its infrastructure for other Panamanian agro-exporters. The company has 500 m² of sorting and packing space, a 352 m² pre-cooling and cold processing chamber, and a 223 m² cooling room, used for preparing both its own and third-party exports. The company's support services include assessing the viability and reliability of potential foreign customers, physically preparing containers, and ensuring all phytosanitary and legal export requirements are met. As a result, producers can opt to export independently or utilize the comprehensive service platform offered by Cariwox," he stated.
© Cariwox For more information:
Jean-François Hirson, CEO
Cariwox
+507 6408 0806
Email: [email protected]
www.cariwox.com
