DFNet

June 08, 2025 | Mathrubhumi |

Pineapple prices are recovering after a sharp decline caused by an unexpected surge in production due to early summer rains. In early May, special grade pineapples dropped to ₹18–₹20 per piece, while green and regular varieties were priced even lower. Farmers faced losses, as plantation harvests outpaced demand. Export volumes also decreased drastically from 2,000 tons to 300–400 tons per day.

Several factors contributed to the price slump, including decreased demand from North India, high mango availability, reduced tourism after the Pahalgam attack, and trader reluctance. However, the situation is shifting. As no ripe pineapples are currently available in plantations and harvests are not expected until mid-August, prices are rising again—special grade pineapples now sell for ₹50, green at ₹48, and regular at ₹30.

Baby John, president of the Pineapple Growers Association, predicts further price increases in the coming weeks due to continued limited supply and growing market demand. The association attributes the initial price crash to doubled production compared to last year. With mango imports declining and pineapple availability constrained, prices are expected to keep climbing until the next harvest replenishes supply.

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