W6 Pineapple Update: Costa Rica's Pineapple Supply Decline and Brazil's Production Growth, Rural Producers in Brazil Amplify Production of Pineapples with Frutificar Support

Fresh Pineapple

France

Kenya

Published Feb 22, 2024

In W6 in the pineapple landscape, the market in France faces challenges due to product scarcity and farmers' protests. The French pineapple market aligns with Northern Europe, while the North American market faces complexities. Meanwhile, Costa Rica faces a decline in pineapple supply, while Brazil's Frutificar program fuels production growth in rural regions. Lastly, Russia has banned banana imports from Ecuador due to its Mediterranean fruit fly presence and plans to increase fruit imports from countries like the Philippines, Guatemala, Colombia, and Kenya.

Challenges in Pineapple Market Logistics Amid High Demand in the French Market

The pineapple market is grappling with a "double dynamic" driven by product scarcity and ongoing farmers' protests. While the French market has aligned with Northern Europe, complexities arise with the North American market. The Costa Rican interprofession has scaled back outgoing volumes, prioritizing North America to mitigate European congestion. Logistics challenges exacerbate the situation, especially for goods traveling from north to south. Belgian farmers' solidarity with their French counterparts has further delayed port pick-ups, potentially disrupting fluidity in the weeks ahead. However, should conditions improve, the next three months could bode well for Dole France.

Costa Rica Faces Pineapple Supply Decline Amidst Growing Demand

Costa Rica is experiencing a decline in pineapple supply, particularly in larger sizes 5 and 6, attributed to optimal growing conditions affecting the country's weather patterns. This size reduction is observed across the industry. Despite this, demand for pineapples in 2024 remains moderate to slightly stronger. Consequently, prices have increased compared to three or four weeks ago. Kapi Kapi Growers are committed to fulfilling their weekly pineapple program obligations, including those for their Baby ORO pineapple, which will be shipped in limited quantities starting this month. However, the availability of pineapples in larger sizes will remain constrained, presenting opportunities for smaller sizes.

Frutificar Program Fuels Pineapple Production Surge in Brazil's Rural Regions

During the summer, there is a surge in demand for pineapples, prompting rural producers in Brazil to increase their production levels with the assistance of the Frutificar credit line offered by the State Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Supply. Situated in the northern region of Rio de Janeiro, São Francisco de Itabapoanaemerges as the primary pineapple-producing area, with the pearl variety being the predominant cultivar. Through the Frutificar Program, loans totaling over USD 230,135.68 (BRL 1,140,000) have been disbursed, with each rural producer eligible for up to USD 20,187.34 (BRL 100,000). The pearl pineapple variety constitutes 95% of the total fruit production. Pineapple holds versatility in its consumption, being utilized fresh or in various processed products, and stands among the top ten favorites in global consumption preferences.

Russia Implements Ban on Ecuadorian Banana Imports and Plans Scrutiny of Pineapple Shipments

Russia has banned banana imports from Ecuadorian agricultural enterprises due to the presence of the Mediterranean fruit fly in their shipments. The inspection also led to plans to monitor Ecuadorian pineapple shipments for parasites and pesticides. Russia plans to increase fruit imports from countries like the Philippines, Guatemala, Colombia, and Kenya to offset the impact.