Tropical Tightrope: Pineapple Prices Surge on Costa Rican Shortfall, Demand Stays Strong

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Pineapple markets across North America find themselves in a squeeze as supplies from Costa Rica, the region’s dominant supplier, have tumbled to their lowest seasonal point. Production woes, primarily driven by an unusually early and intense rainy season coupled with persistent high temperatures, have led to a 3.3% year-over-year decline in Costa Rica’s output. As a result, prices have surged to near-record levels, causing significant concern for importers and retailers grappling with tightening availability.

Industry insiders report that while long-term, programmed supply contracts are being honored, the spot market has nearly dried up—a scenario amplified by resilient, even growing, consumer demand fueled by an ongoing shift toward healthier eating habits. Producers and traders do see some light at the end of the tunnel: barring further weather disruptions, both supply and price levels are expected to stabilize by October. For now, stakeholders should prepare for continued volatility—logistical and weather headwinds are likely to keep the pineapple market on edge at least through the upcoming few weeks, with global disruptions possible well into 2025.

📈 Pineapple Prices

Product Origin Location Delivery Terms Price (EUR/kg) Previous Price (EUR/kg) Updated Change Sentiment
Pineapple dried VN Hanoi, VN FOB 6.80 6.80 2025-08-29 0.00 Bullish
Pineapple dried (normal sugar, 5-7 mm) TH Dordrecht, NL FCA 4.55 4.53 2025-08-29 +0.02 Bullish
Pineapple dried (normal sugar, 8-10 mm) TH Dordrecht, NL FCA 4.60 4.55 2025-08-29 +0.05 Bullish

🌍 Supply & Demand Overview

  • Supply constraints: Costa Rica, which accounts for a majority of North American imports, experienced a 3.3% YoY production decrease due to unusual rainfall and high early-season temperatures.
  • Demand factors: Health-driven consumption continues to rise, boosting demand even amid supply tightness.
  • Market availability: Programmed contracts are filled, but spot/open market supplies remain nearly nonexistent.

📊 Market Fundamentals

  • Production: Costa Rican pineapple crop at seasonal lows; other exporters (Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam) have not significantly stepped in due to logistics costs and scale.
  • Inventories: Stocks are low, especially for fresh fruit. Dried processed pineapple supplies are somewhat more stable but still see upward price pressure.
  • Speculative trends: Notable bullish sentiment in both physical and processed product lines, as evidenced by recent price momentum.

☀️ Weather Outlook & Crop Impact

  • Costa Rica: Continued above-average rainfall and intermittent storms forecast for the next 7–10 days. Expect some disruptions to harvest and shipping schedules; quality and yield concerns linger until the end of September.
  • Southeast Asia: Generally stable weather for Thailand and Vietnam, supporting ongoing dried pineapple exports.
  • Shipping logistics: Persistent global transportation delays may add to short-term price volatility.

🌏 Global Production and Stock Comparison

Country Production Trend Export Share Comment
Costa Rica ↓ -3.3% YoY ~60% (North America), Main Fresh Market Supply stress, weather hit
Philippines Stable Asia, Some US/Europe Key canned/dried supplier
Thailand Stable Europe (Dried/Canned) Supply for processed segment
Vietnam Stable Asia, Europe (Dried) Small but growing export role

📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

  • Spot market prices remain elevated and will likely stay firm until October when Costa Rican production is expected to recover.
  • Buyers with urgent needs should seek to lock in supply through contractual arrangements as open-market volume is scarce.
  • Monitor weather patterns in key producing regions continually—any additional disruption will prolong tightness.
  • For processed/dried pineapple, prices are stable to slightly bullish; consider building inventory now ahead of seasonal demand upticks.
  • Expect ongoing shipping/logistics delays to create additional pricing uncertainties, especially for fresh imports.

📉 3-Day Regional Price Forecast (Key Markets)

Exchange/Location Product Type Latest Price (EUR/kg) Forecast Range (EUR/kg) Sentiment
Hanoi, VN (FOB) Dried Pineapple 6.80 6.75–6.85 Bullish/Stable
Dordrecht, NL (FCA) Dried Pineapple (5-7 mm) 4.55 4.54–4.60 Bullish
Dordrecht, NL (FCA) Dried Pineapple (8-10 mm) 4.60 4.58–4.65 Bullish