Pineapple exporter PCC pushed through a brutal 2026 growing season, holding weekly shipments between 45 and 55 containers even as pest outbreaks and erratic fruit sizing hammered yields. The Costa Rican company now expects to close the year at that same pace.
Commercial Manager Jennifer Salazar said the firm refused to sacrifice fruit quality or break commitments to retail partners. “We have managed to maintain our commercial programs, prioritizing our commitments to customers,” she said.
Roughly 80% of current production falls into sizes 5, 6, and 7, though some periods yielded a higher share of compact fruit. Pest pressure and size inconsistency cut into overall output throughout the year.
The United States absorbs about 60% of PCC’s exports, with Europe taking the remaining 40%. Salazar pointed to geographic proximity and shorter transit times as defining advantages in the U.S. market, where the company supplies major retail chains. Meanwhile, European buyers emphasize sustainability and traceability, and she sees room to expand in markets like France.
Russia remains under evaluation, but Salazar noted that transit times pose “significant logistical complexities.” The company will stay focused on its two core markets for now.
Sustainability anchors PCC’s strategy. The operation runs pesticide-free, relying instead on biofertilizers, biological decomposers, and bioinsecticides. Rainwater harvesting systems stretch water resources, and electric trucks handle logistics. Those measures align with traceability and environmental standards demanded by international buyers.
Cost pressures, however, keep mounting. Fertilizers, fuel, machinery, maintenance, and labor all climbed in 2026. The colón’s appreciation against the dollar compounds the squeeze: PCC earns revenue in dollars but pays a large portion of its operating costs in colones.
Crownless pineapple sales in the U.S. held steady this year, though buyers report that broader economic conditions have shaped consumer behavior.
Looking ahead, Salazar said the priority is clear: boost productivity, recover yields, and keep export programs stable. The company will also monitor El Niño developments closely, knowing weather patterns could reshape the 2027 outlook.
