Tropical Dried Fruit - Brief Market Update March 2022

Throughout the world, we are seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases. This has led to staffing issues, thus resulting in lack of manpower to process orders, and causing production delays. Shipping delays have also continued to be an issue in the sector, with many end users requiring their goods to a strict deadline.

We are fast approaching the end of Winter crop for pineapple, and so will begin to see stock replenishing in the coming months. Both Winter and Summer crop 2022 are expected to be largely affected by the lack of manpower and shipping delays.

The market has seen a huge shortage in Papaya, with many distributors now having some through most of their stocks, now only holding committed volumes. The shortage is expected to continue through to next winter crop, which will be around October/November time. Farmers have been able to demand a premium for their goods over the last 2 years, due to a low supply from flooding and other crop issues. Most packers are only able to offer limited quantity of Papaya along with other products due to low stock holdings of tropical dried fruits.