Light supplies of pineapples coming from Costa Rica have pumped up prices for the imported fruit in the United States. Prices are expected to come down in the coming months as more imports arrive, and traders are hoping the market can remain steady as that happens.
“The entire country of Costa Rica went through a gap in production this past year that started last summer,” noted Sandy Gatanio of Ayco Farms. “I think it's just a cycle that the country went through rather than a weather issue.” He added that supplies may not fully rebound until 2017, though some relief could come as early as late spring.
“I think supplies out of Costa Rica will increase in the next few weeks, so there will be more availability and we can promote more,” he said. “Despite there not being a lot of supplies around, pricing is holding pretty well.” On April 6, prices for a carton of Golden Ripe 5s from Costa Rica and Ecuador were between $11.00 and $13.00 at South Florida ports of entry. That's not bad considering demand exceeds current supplies, and Gatanio hopes prices won't drop too precipitously as import levels rise.
“Prices were moderate in anticipation of increased volumes, so there's not going to be too dramatic of a price drop,” said Gatanio. “If prices stay between $10.00 and $12.00 per carton, then that will be good for retailers, foodservice and growers.”
