Panamanian firm Capitan Pina, specialized in the production and export of pineapple and is headed by the Director General Eliezer Dominguez. The company has been facing an extremely difficult year because of an increase in the number of orders coming from Europe particularly Spain the main one. The decrease has been linked to the fruit season in Panama. in Europe that causes demand for imports from tropical countries like pineapple to decrease. However, Dominguez remains optimistic. “An an increase in the quantity of orders can be anticipated beginning in September, as the European season slows down.”

The main focus for the business is the MD-2 variety. This is among the top-rated varieties in the world recognized for its sweet taste and high vitamin-C levels. Despite the difficulties caused by extreme drought which threw a wrench into the harvest and caused the reduction in fruit size by 2023, the business is able to keep the high quality of their fruit. Dominguez says in order to address this issue it has decided to shift from air shipping to sea shipments. This will allow the company to better make use of the quality available to them and to remain competitive on market international market.

Quantitatively The company posted good results in 2023. even though 2024 was less successful, numbers will likely to increase and possibly surpass those from last year’s at the close of 2024. At present, the prices of maritime exports for Panamanian pineapples are about $9 for a box (for sizes of 5-8). The figure is indicative of the market’s resilience, despite challenges.

Europe is the main market and has Spain being its largest buyer. But, Dominguez says that negotiations are being made to extend to Italy, Canada and regions like Lebanon, Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. It is an attempt at strategic geographical diversification to help mitigate fluctuation in the markets. “We are currently in discussions with potential customers that will allow us to increase our size in terms of land to be able to supply those markets,” he says.

Panama is a continuous producer of pineapple and guarantees a steady supply all year long; However, Capitan Pina adjusts its production in the winter months to respond to the changing demands and prevent overproduction. As for certifications, Capitan Pina is in compliance with GlobalG.A.P. standards. This ensures that the production process is environmentally sustainable and that it meets international specifications.

Capitan Pina’s plans for expansion includes the expansion of pineapple products like juices, and other processing of the fruit. This may require further investments.

In terms of competition, Panamanian pineapples have a lot to overcome when it comes to large-scale production Costa Rica, which dominates the world market, with greater production and cheaper prices. Some other countries, including Cote d’Ivoire, are also becoming rivals in Europe and are offering alternative options to challenge the dominance in Latin American pineapples.

But, Panamanian pineapples stand out within specific areas, since the sweetness of their fruit and the care they take during the process of production make these fruits appealing to the most demanding of consumers. Panama is a leader in producing the creation of a customized and superior quality products, with greater prices and being an option for select market segments.

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Eliezer Dominguez

Capitan Pina Panama S.A.

Tel. : (+507) 6691-4877

[email protected]