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Gold Pineapple

COSTA RICA

The pineapple industry experiences natural cycles of flowering, influenced by factors like plant maturity, health, and weather conditions. Favorable winter weather this year has led to reduced early harvests, contrary to typical increases seen during summer months in the USA. Changes in agricultural practices, such as soil management and planting schedules, aim to stabilize harvest cycles and mitigate production spikes. However, small-scale growers may struggle with these controls due to resource constraints or lack of contract commitments.

Despite cost corrections in inputs, farming profitability remains strained, impacting field stabilization and fruit size. Stella Farms has bucked industry trends by doubling down on Costa Rican imports, investing in nutrition and plant sizing to surpass 2023 harvest levels and support new customers.

July is projected to maintain low production levels, potentially mitigating the severe August shortage typical after summer peaks. Growers who reduced summer plantings to mitigate natural flowering risks may face supply shortages through August and September.

Stella expects short supply and high demand for crownless fruit through the year in both the USA and Europe. Crown fruit volume at many farms may fluctuate through July but is anticipated to recover to contract levels by August. Stella predicts a temporary decline in production levels for 4-6 weeks, returning to normal after a period of elevated harvest volumes over the past six months.

Watermelon

Georgia production has hit its peak as we head into the pull for the 4th of July.  Some of the crops in Central TX are underperforming due to significant amounts of rain. Availability is likely to remain tighter than normal throughout the end of June. Production levels from CA and AZ will continue to increase, but with Hermosillo production continuing to decline, market conditions will likely remain tighter than average until after the 4th of July.

Tomato

Michoacan has continued to have colder weather over the beginning weeks of 2024 slowing production down tremendously. We will continue to have lite supplies as we continue into February with the majority of product having a lighter color.  Plants will continue to produce, but tomatoes will take longer to color up. As we move into warmer weather, we will see some relief in product availability.