Pineapple prices on some wholesale markets this week plummeted as a surplus of product and poor demand took its toll.
Weather conditions in Costa Rica have been to blame for some variable quality in production too. This has led wholesalers “to push gear out at low prices” according to one importer. On Nottingham market this week, for example, 6s, 7s, 8s and 9s of the tropical fruit were making just 200-400p a carton.
There have been very heavy rains in Costa Rica and 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.
