W5 Pineapple Update: Costa Rica Faces Shortage of Pineapples, Fresh Del Monte Introduces Rubyglow in China, Benin Expands Pineapple Export in the Chinese Market

Pineapple Supply Shortage from Costa Rica Leads to Higher Prices in 2024

The pineapple supply from Costa Rica is experiencing a decline in W5, particularly in larger sizes, such as sizes 5 and 6. The drop in supply is attributed to a shortage due to less-than-optimal growing conditions, including drier weather during the fourth quarter and into 2024, leading to smaller sizing industry-wide. Despite these challenges, demand for pineapples appears moderate to slightly stronger in 2024, with growing awareness of the fruit's great flavor and health benefits. The supply shortage has resulted in higher pricing than three to four weeks ago. Looking ahead, the shipper plans to fulfill weekly program commitments for pineapple, including introducing its Baby ORO pineapple, while acknowledging that the supply shortage will persist for larger sizes, creating opportunities with the smaller ones.

Fresh Del Monte Introduces Exclusive Rubyglow Pineapples to the Chinese Market

In collaboration with Goodfarmer Group, Fresh Del Monte unveiled its exclusive Rubyglow red-skinned pineapples in Shanghai on January 26, targeting the Chinese market. With striking red skin, vibrant yellow flesh, and sweet taste, Rubyglow pineapples were strategically launched ahead of the Chinese New Year, a peak season for fruit sales in China. Limited global supply projections for 2024 and 2025, with around 5 thousand and 3 thousand units, respectively, make Rubyglow a highly sought-after rarity. Originating from Costa Rican rainforests after 15 years of research and development, this hybrid fruit –a cross between a conventional pineapple and an inedible Morada pineapple – undergoes natural tree ripening and is sold without the crown. Rubyglow has secured plant patent rights in the United States (US), marking another innovative addition to Fresh Del Monte's portfolio. Headquartered in California, the company continues to make waves in the fruit industry after the success of the genetically modified Pinkglow pineapple introduced in 2020. With its popularity, individual units of Pinkglow pineapples even fetched up to USD 49.

China Approves Benin, West Africa Pineapple Exports

The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) has approved the export of Benin, Africa pineapples to China, with 226 orchards, two packaging plants, and two fumigation treatment plants currently in operation. Africa's fourth largest pineapple exporter, Benin has 6 thousand hectares (ha) of pineapple planting area, with an annual output of 400 thousand tons. Pineapples account for 1.2% of Benin's national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 4.3% of its agricultural GDP. The industry accounts for 1.2% of Benin's national GDP and 4.3% of its agricultural GDP. Benin hopes to export 300 thousand tons of pineapples to China annually. Pineapples should be fumigated with methyl bromide to prevent harmful organisms.

Ivory Coast Faces a 27% Decline in Pineapple Exports in 2023

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported a 27% year-over-year (YoY) decrease in Cote D'ivoire's pineapple exports to the international market in 2023, with only 23.5 thousand metric tons (mt). The report attributed this to unfavorable weather conditions, which affected the growing season and reduced supply in Cote d'Ivoire's production areas. The average unit value of Cote d'Ivoire's pineapple exports to global markets fell to USD 460/mt between Jan-23 and Jul-23, a 10% YoY decline. The European Union (EU) remains the main market for pineapple shipments, with France and Belgium being the main buyers.