Adverse weather conditions this year have marked the Ivorian pineapple season, reducing the share of large sizes, according to Djegnan Marius, export sales manager at Carte D'OR CI.
Marius says, "Over the last two years, weather conditions have not been good, mainly due to the lack of rainfall. Large M6 and M7 sizes are a bit rare. On the other hand, the phytosanitary situation is under control and we're managing to produce good-quality organic pineapples, with a yield exceeding 1,500 kg per hectare. On the whole, everything's going well, although we've seen better seasons."
Although national exports are down on the previous season, Marius says his performance is above average. He says, "Last year we exported 410 tonnes. This year, we're already at 386 tons three months before the end of our calendar. We still have an export capacity of 3 containers per month of the variety MD2"
"This year, we're seeing more demand from the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy, while French demand is slower than usual. I think there are still great business opportunities with other markets like Russia and the UK," adds Marius.
Maintaining prices
As for prices, they remain at the same level as last season, but Marius expects an increase as early as next year: "Production and material costs are rising, while yields are down due to smaller sizes. In addition, Global Gap Bio certification is switching to the next version, making it difficult to maintain prices. However, we will maintain the same prices until the end of the year."
Côte d'Ivoire competes with Cameroon on the European pineapple market," says Marius, "our neighbors in Cameroon grow more pineapples, but we're getting organized to gain more market share, especially in the organic segment."
For more information:
Ali Edwige
Carte D'OR CI
Tel: +225 07 07 80 43 19
Email: [email protected]
Djegnan Marius
Tel: +225 08 18 03 25
Email: [email protected]