The rainy season in Taiwan starts in April and will last until May. Spring comes early in Taiwan, with temperatures as high as 30 degrees in March. Rain affects the quality of harvest pineapples and increases the risk of mildew. This leads to price increases on the Chinese import markets. Taiwan is one of two biggest pineapple suppliers of China, along with the Philippines.
"Our peaks months for exporting the Taiwan Diamond pineapples are March to June. Its sweetness jumps up in April, helped by plenty of sunshine and warm weather. From April onward, sweetness can reach 17 brix and higher. At this moment the rainy season in setting in. This reduces the number of pineapples that are ready for harvest. Pineapples that are harvested during the rains are at risk of absorbing water at their roots. This can cause soft pulp and root mildew. That is why growers are harvesting with extra care these weeks."
"Most pineapples sold in China originate from Taiwan and the Philippines. Pineapple supply from the Philippines significantly reduced this year. Growers blame the effects of El Nino. Extreme drought in the Philippines hampered growth throughout the season. The quality of Taiwanese pineapples is gradually decreasing now the rainy season has start, and availability of premium pineapples is becoming elss. This is eventually to price increases of premium pineapple crops. Prices now reach 100 to 115 yuan per box, around €14, and could go up to 125 Yuan per box. I expect prices to remain stable at this level."
Shanghai Shunguo Fruit Trade sells four Taiwan pineapple varieties on the Shanghai Huizhan import market: Diwang, Xingzu, Nongyiyuan and Tianxiaxian. Sales last season reached 100,000 boxes, which makes the company one of the largest suppliers of Taiwanese pineapples.
