Since the end of the winter harvest in December, the supply of pineapples in Thailand has fallen. In February, it was only 4,000 tonnes per day, with the price fluctuating between THB 7.80 and 8.20 per kilogramme of raw product. How supply and prices will develop between now and the summer harvest in April depends largely on the amount of rainfall. The packers are not very optimistic. The Thai Food Processors Association (TFPA) has also reduced its forecast for 2026 - mainly due to a possible El Niño and its effects. Models and weather services suggest that El Niño could start as early as April in Thailand. Heat and drought would directly affect the summer harvest. However, it remains to be seen how the weather will actually develop.

There is also movement in the THB/USD exchange rate: As the Thai baht has become very strong against the US dollar, importing fruit in this country could become more expensive.

Finally, let's take a look at demand: canned pineapple in particular - especially piece goods - is currently in high demand in Eastern Europe, the USA and Asia. In contrast, demand for pineapple juice concentrate has fallen, as have prices. Many manufacturers of fruit juice concentrates are therefore waiting for the summer harvest.