W7 Pineapple Update: EU Dominates Ivory Coast's Pineapple Exports, Adverse Weather Leads to Sharp Decline in Pineapple Exports for Ivory Coast and Costa Rica in 2023, and Colombia Invests to Revitalize Pineapple Cultivation

Published 2024년 2월 25일

In W7 in the pineapple landscape, pineapple exports in the Ivory Coast and Costa Rica experienced a sharp decline in 2023 due to adverse weather conditions, according to the recent update in Feb-24. The EU, particularly France and Belgium, is the leading market for Ivory Coast’s pineapple exports, importing 57% of the country's total. Costa Rica's CANAPEP Chamber of Pineapple Exporters has raised concerns about the entry of USD 1.7 million in foreign currency. Colombia is investing in boosting pineapple cultivation and combating the food crisis.

Ivory Coast's Pineapple Exports Experienced Sharp Decline in 2023

According to a report released in 2024, the European Union (EU), particularly France and Belgium, is the leading market for Ivory Coast's pineapple exports, importing approximately 57% of the country's total. The decline is attributed to adverse weather conditions, negatively impacting production areas and pineapple supply. The average unit value dropped by 10% to USD 460 per metric ton (mt) from Jan-23 to Jul-23. Pineapple remains the third largest source of foreign exchange in Ivory Coast's fruit industry.

Costa Rica's Pineapple Exporters Question BCCR Over USD 1.7 Million Foreign Currency Entry

The National Chamber of Pineapple Producers and Exporters (CANAPEP) in Costa Rica has raised concerns with the Central Bank regarding the entry of USD 1.7 million in foreign currency, which lacks a clear justification for its origin. CANAPEP's president addressed this issue in a letter to the leader of the Central Bank, emphasizing the importance of transparency and documentation for such significant financial inflows. CANAPEP's request for clarification stems from the Monthly Economic Situation Report (IMCE) for Dec-23, where the Central Bank noted a substantial increase in foreign exchange flows negotiated by the private sector. This request underscores the significance of the pineapple sector, which employs over 30 thousand people in rural areas and contributes significantly to the country's annual exports, exceeding USD 1 billion.

Reviving Pineapple Cultivation to Combat Food Crisis in Catatumbo, Colombia

In Colombia, the pineapple cultivation in the municipality of Teorama is being revived to combat the food crisis in Catatumbo. The initiative, led by the Association of Luchadores Agricultural Producers of Catatumbo, Asolucat, aims to strengthen pineapple cultivation and overcome the food crisis. The initiative is part of policies to replace crops for illicit use and aims to improve income in rural homes. In coordination with the Colombian fruit association, ASOHOFRUCOL, the municipal administration is promoting alternative projects with pineapple derivatives, such as cake, jam, and healthy drinks without preservatives, to reactivate the agricultural economy.

Aldi Extends Successful Banana Sourcing Strategy to Pineapples, Focusing on Sustainability and Fairness

Aldi South Group is extending its successful banana sourcing strategy to pineapples, aiming to address challenges workers face in both industries. The strategy involved involving business partners, listening to their needs, and implementing sustainable production measures. Aldi's pineapple sourcing approach also involved collaboration with partners to understand needs and costs, creating a new pricing mechanism, reflecting their commitment to fairer and more transparent supply chains for tropical fruits.