Adverse weather conditions experienced in Costa Rica towards the end of 2012 do not appear to have affected the pineapple harvest, according to a report on Inside Costa Rica.
Heavy rainfall had provoked concerns about the condition of the crop, but
pineapple suppliers in the Central American country expect a similar production volume as last year.
“Both supply and quality are expected to be strong over the next several months,” said Bil Goldfield, communications manager for US marketer Dole Fresh Fruit, which sources more than 60 per cent of its pineapples from Costa Rica.
Goldfield reported that demand had been strong throughout January.
Some marketers are even anticipating an increase in volumes this year, with CH Robinson expecting to market 10-15 per cent more pineapples, according to the company's Chris Harris.
Harris revealed that the unfavourable weather conditions could lead to problems later in the season, in May or June, but that demand had been strong.
He also said that both supply and quality had been good, with Costa Rican pineapples measuring a Brix of over 14.
