Costa Rica remains the world's leading producer and exporter of fresh pineapples, primarily shipping them to the United States and Europe. "About 65% of our country's production is sent to North American buyers, making us a leader in the market, while the rest is exported to Europe, where demand is steadily rising," stated Alfredo Volio, president and CEO of Upala Agrícola.
© Upala Agrícola
© Upala Agrícola
"We are observing strong interest from markets such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain in purchasing our fruit, not only because of its quality but also due to our commitment to neighboring communities and because we are the largest employer in the area, with over 1,150 permanent employees," Volio pointed out.
In Europe, there is a growing preference for larger caliber fruits. José Madrigal, Upala Agrícola's commercial and logistics manager, forecasted that "by the first half of 2026, the pineapple market will experience increased demand for fresh fruit. Additionally, current production projections suggest shortages that will likely strengthen negotiating positions."
However, logistical challenges remain. "It can still take up to eight hours to transport goods from the farms to the ports due to the condition of the road infrastructure. The infrastructure has not changed, but some shipping lines have improved their services with more schedules and increased vessel availability, which is very positive," Madrigal said.
"The MD2 Gold variety continues to be the most popular, while pink pineapple is still limited to only one company in Costa Rica because of patent issues. Costa Rica leads in the production and export of the MD2 variety, which meets all expectations for flavor, resistance, and quality," Volio emphasized.
© Upala Agrícola
There have been no extreme weather events recently, although ongoing adaptations are being implemented. We have three weather stations that help us gather information to make the best decisions," Madrigal pointed out.
"At the economic level, input costs and the appreciation of the colón against the dollar continue to pose challenges. However, international demand remains strong. The market stays active, consistently consuming fresh pineapple," Volio noted.
Finally, the sector reaffirms its social role. "Every day we strengthen a positive connection with the communities and our collaborators, who are our most valuable resource," Volio concluded.
Upala Agrícola will attend the upcoming Fruit Attraction Fair in Madrid. The company will be in Hall 12, stands 12D06 and 12E06.
For more information:
Alfredo Volio (President and CEO)
Upala Agrícola
Upala, Costa Rica
Tel: +506 2480 0100
Email: [email protected]
www.upalagricola.com