Pineapple monthly review: December 2021

In December, the fall in the Costa Rican supply, as well as the shipping delays, contributed to the pineapple market’s gradual recovery. During the first half-month, clearance sales and better demand from the supermarket sector helped relieve the pressure on the spot market. Operators, receiving less fruit than predicted, started to worry about being unable to meet their commitments, especially with regard to sizes 7, 8 and 9, which though scarcer were the subject of multiple promotions. Shipping delays, which continued into the second half-month, caused rates and spot demand to strengthen. Given the paucity of the overall supply and the lively demand, several operators were short of fruit, though without spot prices taking off. The fruit quality was fairly heterogeneous (short shelf life), and a degree of uncertainty prevailed over the possible implementation of lockdown measures, which drove operators to sell their fruit quickly. The year finished on a mixed note, since spot demand was less regular, which meant that despite the paucity of the overall supply, some operators still had fairly substantial stocks.

The air-freight pineapple market underwent a fairly peculiar trajectory in December. At no time was there any rush for the fruit placed on the market (across all varieties). While the market regained some fluidity and rates held up, this was primarily because the overall supply remained limited throughout the month, following the trend started back in November. Several operators observed that, unlike in previous years when there was a bit of a boom or something of an influx of fruit for the end-of-year holidays, the market remained rather lifeless, with the exception of Christmas week, when sales were better. It is true that an atmosphere of uncertainty prevailed at the end of the month, due to the possible reinforcement of the health protection measures.

The situation on the Victoria market was mixed. Demand for the fruit was good throughout the month, confirming the festive nature of the fruit. Unfortunately, the supply, especially from Reunion which was the most sought-after, was greatly unbalanced by the overabundance of small fruit, resulting in a distinct widening of the price range applied to the source.

pineapple - france - import prices december 2021