Costa Rica's pineapple sector, which produces pineapples in nearly 50,000 hectares, and the Cámara de Piñeros Unidos (which accounts for almost 35% of exports) are experiencing a low supply scenario due to extreme weather events. "This shortage has generated a notable increase in prices in Europe and the United States. The price of a box of pineapples has reached 18 to 20 euros in these markets. Those are levels that we have not seen for more than a decade," stated Wilberth Gómez, Greivin Delgado, and Gina Vargas, the President, Executive Director, and Administrative Assistant of the Cámara de Piñeros Unidos, respectively.
© Cámara de Piñeros Unidos
Costa Rica produces pineapples all year round, but there are three key moments: the high season (weeks 44 to 20), the period of greater natural production, and the post-natural period, which coincides with low supply, just like the previous year. Weather conditions marked by the transition from El Niño to La Niña have at some point directly impacted the quality, sizes, and volume of fruit available for export and the local industry.
The main destinations are the United States, with a nearly 54% share, and Europe, with a 40% share. "However, the United States has been paying one to two dollars more per box, which, added to the recent 10% tariffs increase, generates uncertainty," Gómez said what worries him is how the tax can affect the end consumer's pocket and purchasing power.
© Cámara de Piñeros Unidos
"In addition to its traditional markets in Europe and the United States, Costa Rican pineapple has begun to make inroads in new destinations such as Asia, including Japan, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and specialized markets that demand air shipments of fruit with a high level of ripeness and tropical aroma. This growth has also been driven by the diversification of formats, such as dehydrated and frozen pineapple, pineapple juices, liqueurs, and jams, which have allowed access to niches with higher added value and adapted to the demands of new consumer profiles. There is also a growing trend towards agro-ecological production with a reduction in chemical products, the use of bio-products, and environmental conservation practices," they stated.
Structural challenges include the unfavorable exchange rate, the high cost of inputs, the need for technological investment, and the pressure to meet high social and environmental standards. Costa Rican pineapple is now one of the most certified crops in the country, which represents an additional economic effort for producers.
© Cámara de Piñeros Unidos
"Producers have increased the use of bio-inputs and microorganisms to reduce the application of chemical products, supported in some cases by laboratories developed by the producers themselves. The gradual introduction of technologies, mechanization, and automation processes responds to the need for greater efficiency and to the limited availability of labor. In addition, adjustments have been made in packaging and post-harvest to improve product preservation during transport, especially to distant destinations. These measures seek to adapt to current market demands, which prioritize products with good taste, adequate sanitary conditions, and less environmental impact," they stated.
Finally, the Cámara de Piñeros Unidos reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and competitiveness. "Our goal is to ensure that, in 100 years, Costa Rica will continue to be a world leader in pineapple, with a quality product, responsibly produced and adapted to the new demands of global consumers," they stressed.
© Cámara de Piñeros Unidos For more information:
Wilberth Gómez, Greivin Delgado, and Gina Vargas
Cámara de Piñeros Unidos
Tel: +506 6196 3635
info@camaradepinerosunidos.com
www.camaradepinerosunidos.com