Pineapple prices on some wholesale markets in the UK have plummeted this week as a surplus of product and poor demand have taken their toll.
Weatherconditions in Costa Rica have been to blame for some variable quality in production, moving wholesalers 'to push gear out at low prices', one importer told Freshinfo. On Nottingham market this week, for example, 6s, 7s, 8s and 9s of the tropical fruit were making just 200-400p (€0.23–€0.49) a carton.
There have been very heavy rains in Costa Ricaand flooding in some areas since last month, the importer told Freshinfo. Temperatures have also been unseasonably low. 'I think it will be another three weeks before the situation starts to tighten up again,' he said.
Supermarkets have been promoting the fruit with Tesco, for example, retailing its gold pineapple for £1, down from £1.25, and two for £2.50 on extra large pineapples, compared to £1.87 each.
