The Costa Rican pineapple is having a great year. Prices have risen to levels not seen in more than a decade, and producers are recording a significant rebound in exports driven by a series of external and internal factors.
The global shortage of orange and apple juices has led the juice industry to look for alternatives, such as pineapple, stated Jorge Sánchez, general manager of Nicoverde. The increased demand for pineapples for processing is affecting the fresh pineapple market and driving up prices. "Exporters used to export the smaller pineapples, but now it's more profitable to send them to the industry than to export them as fresh fruit," he stated.
"The price for a kilo of pineapple in the field has increased to $0.58, almost double the average of last year. A 12-kilo box is now sold for $11 FOB, compared to $7 or $8 last year. This price increase is also the result of a smaller global harvest, the aftermath of the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine, which caused several exporters to exit the market and increased production costs," he stated.
"Current prices allow us to cover the high costs of a responsible value chain, including strict environmental standards. The production also complies with multiple international certifications that guarantee quality, safety, and good agricultural practices. Despite its high nutritional value, pineapple remains relatively affordable compared to other fruits," Sánchez stressed.
Currently, Nicoverde is fully focused on the European market, thanks in part to the parent company's infrastructure, warehouses, and distribution centers on the continent. Although the company also has export licenses for the U.S., China, Israel, Morocco, and Canada, Europe remains its focus.
The company has increased its production by 5% over the last year and is going through its high season, which lasts approximately eight weeks. "During this period, we export an average of 30 to 40 containers of pineapple per week, and we are growing steadily," Sánchez said.
The weather remains a major challenge. Pineapples need both sun and rain, but extreme drought or heavy rainfall can affect the quality of the fruit and promote pests. Despite the pressure from the export of other products such as bananas, melons, watermelons, and mangoes, Nicoverde has had few logistics problems thanks to fixed contracts with shipping companies.
"Prices are expected to remain high. This offers a window of opportunity for Costa Rican producers, who have been able to keep up and adapt to the new dynamics of the international market," he concluded.
For more information: 
Jorge Sánchez
Nicoverde
Tel: +506 4001 4612 / +506 8935 3709
Email: [email protected]
www.nicofrutta.it/es