Pineapple monthly review: April 2023

In April, the pineapple market supply was disrupted again by shipping delays. During Easter week, the overall supply, although limited, was sufficient to cover demand, which while strong was not excessive. The fall in demand after Easter was not really felt on rates insofar as some operators had not received fruit because of shipping delays. Overall, the pineapple market remained fluid during the second half-month, despite the accumulation of incoming volumes. The overall supply availability was not all that high, enabling the supermarket sector, which was taking in most of the fruit on the market, to continue to act as a regulator. The combination of these factors helped spot rates to remain stable throughout the month.

The air-freight market saw a two-fold trend. During the first half-month, there was no particular frenzy for the fruit over Easter, as was the case in previous years. Sales were fluid, but they related only to limited volumes. During the second half-month, with the start of the holidays, demand was lower, forcing operators to scale back their imports. The Cayenne supply was of highly heterogeneous quality because of the drought in Benin and rains in Cameroon. Sugarloaf sales remained steady and fluid. Coloured fruit from Benin was the most sought-after, thanks in particular to the reliable MRL control procedures applied on leaving the origin. Sales on the Sweet market were steady, although only small volumes were involved.

The overall Victoria supply was fairly small over the whole month. With higher availability than the previous month, the supply from Reunion was better valued than its competitors. The fall in demand after Easter steepened until the end of the month. Sales took on a false tempo, although rates maintained a relatively stable level.

pineapple - france - import price April 2023