The worldwide demand for pineapples are high, while Costa Rica is already supplying the maximum that they can. Luis Vásquez, from Upala Agrícola in Costa Rica, says "Pineapple production is seen to be stable for the remainder of this last quarter of 2024."
However, the higher demand is putting pressure on growers and exporters in Costa Rica to send more pineapples. This is a challenge, says Vásquez as they are at the maximum of their volumes already. "The market is pushing for more fruit, however, Costa Rican pineapple producers and exporters do not have enough volume available."
South American pineapple growing countries have had a challenging year as hotter weather led to less rainfall. This affected flowering and the eventual pineapple volumes that are available. Vásquez says the prices for pineapples which they receive as growers also do not increase with higher demand, thereby not offering an incentive to increase volumes. "Let's remember that prices remain similar throughout the year, so seasonal changes could only benefit intermediaries."
Upala Agrícola is an agro-industrial company located in the northern part of the country, in the canton of Upala, Alajuela. Their crops cover over 3,800 hectares that's dedicated to the production and export of fresh pineapple. Costa Rica is well known for their fresh pineapple of the MD2 Gold variety, known as Golden Pineapple, which is characterized by its sweetness, aroma, juiciness, and a creamy yellow colour inside.
They export to the United States and Canada, as well as to the European Union. Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, France, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium are key markets for them. The return to school and cooler weather usually leads to higher demand for pineapples in these markets. Upala Agrícola reaches other destinations such as Israel, Korea, Turkey, and United Kingdom too.
For more information:
Luis Vasquez
Upala Agrícola
Email: [email protected]
www.upalagricola.com