Warmer weather across tropical countries in the Caribbean and South America has led to a slowing in production of pineapples since the start of the year. In Panama the warm weather and ongoing drought affected their pineapple production negatively, leading to lower production. This has led to a reduction in fruit size, with increased irrigation and other costs. The Panama Canal delays has not affected their exports because they were able to use alternative ports. The island nation of the Dominican Republic saw lower production since the start of the year. Rain has arrived, which also affects production.
The booming tourism industry on the island has become a lifeline for producers as they supply this lucrative market on their own shores. Ecuador’s season is delayed by about a month due to climate challenges, an exporter notes. Ecuador has had the biggest growth of pineapple exports to Spain, from 765 t to more than 5,000 t in one year (2023) alone. Record high temperatures and consistent heat in the Canary Islands has led to an advance in production of up to two months. Producers are seeing a significant drop in supply to Spain. Prices are also trending higher as a result. Costa Rica remains the largest supplier of pineapples to Spain, going from sending 142,560 t in 2022 to exceeding 160,000 t in 2023.
