The pineapple market is currently facing a striking paradox. Despite relatively limited availability in Costa Rica, the market is experiencing more supply than demand. "Especially in the larger sizes, there is a significant surplus on the market. I expect North America, in particular, to buy fewer pineapples. They mainly take the larger sizes, and if they don't order, Europe is really the only alternative," says Mario de Goede of Dutoit Europe.
Prices for pineapples are currently around 10 to 11 euros, according to the importer, with some products also being offered at lower prices. "For a healthy market price, you should still be earning at least 12 to 13 euros, but that's difficult at the moment. There's quite a bit of older stock in the market. You also see crownless pineapples, often in larger sizes, appearing on the free market at dump prices. That means we're now stuck with too much product in Europe for a while. We'll just have to get through this period."
"It also fits the overall market situation, because when I speak to fellow importers, there are very few products performing well," Mario continues. "The market usually picks up towards the end of the year, but for that, we'll have to wait until late November or early December. The Americans will surely have to start loading pineapples for their customers again. So we're eagerly waiting for that."
For more information:
Mario de Goede
Dutoit Europe
Tel: +31 (0) 10 2211226
[email protected]
www.dutoiteu.com
