If there is one thing pineapples are famous for, that would be the house of the popular cartoon character, Spongebob. But kidding aside, pineapples are more than what meets the eye. Some people may find them as weird-looking fruits, but they have one of the most distinct physical features. They are also actually among the juiciest and most nutritious tropical fruits existing today. They are rich in so many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folate, potassium, fiber, and bromelain, to name a few.
Typical Prices of Pineapples
Despite how they look, a lot of people love to eat pineapples as snacks or part of a healthy diet. They are a common commodity in tropical countries that’s why this type of fruit doesn’t cost so much. Although there are pineapple plantations in the US, particularly in Hawaii and Florida, the country still imports pineapples from other regions, like the Bahama Island and West Indies. In that regard, how much do pineapples cost these days?
According to Fresh Plaza, the pineapple price in the US is $6 per box with 5 or 6 pineapples when the supply is at a normal level. However, the prices have doubled these recent times due to the shortage of pineapples coming from the main suppliers, Costa Rica and Mexico. In September 2016, a box of eight pieces of pineapples imported from Mexico increased between $9 and $11, while a box of 5 or 6 pineapples ran from $11 to $13.
Costa Rica is the world’s largest pineapple producer and supplier, and its supply determines the market situation for this particular commodity. The pineapple demand is at its peak during Easter, but it goes down during the seasons of summer and autumn. There may a small increase in demand during the rest of the year. Despite the high prices on the market, consumers still purchase pineapples for their health benefits. They know that they acquire more than the price they pay.
Pineapple Cost in Other Countries
Let’s take a look at the pineapple price in other parts of the world, especially in countries that import pineapples from the top producers.
- Belgium
There is good pineapple market in Belgium. The price can range from €13 to €16 per box. It’s still costly, it is expected that the price will go down due to an increase of supply.
- Italy
Italians love to pineapples, and surprisingly, the prices are not that high as compared to other European countries. In most cities, a box of 7 or 8 pineapples costs €1.75 to €1.90 per kilo.
- Israel
Apparently, pineapples are very expensive in Israel. The prices haven’t changed since the last two years. If you buy in a supermarket, the price of a medium-sized pineapple is up to €8.50.
- Denmark
The pineapple prices in Denmark are also high, and unfortunately, this type of is not available on the market most of the time. In this regard, the price per box has gone up from €8 to €16. The organic pineapples, on the other hand, cost 20% higher than normal pineapples.
- Netherlands
If Denmark is expensive, then the pineapples sold in Netherlands are more expensive. A box of pineapples costs around €15 to €17. Due to the rainy season, the pineapple supply has reduced significantly, resulting in the high prices of the fruit.