Papaya consumption is increasing in Europe

Papaya consumption in Europe is not yet as common as it is in most tropical countries, but it is gradually increasing (CAGR 3,8%, 2016-2020). Developments in better logistics, convenience such as ready-to-eat and increased product promotion contribute to its growth and make papaya an interesting supplement to more well-known tropical fruit.

Germany and Portugal are leading importers of fresh papayas, and also show the highest import growth (CAGR 5,3% and 8% respectively). A large share of German import takes place through the Netherlands, which explains the high import figures for both countries. Spain and France also import large quantities of papayas.

The Netherlands is a trade hub for papayas, while Germany as well as the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal are the main destination countries.

Volumes in the Eastern Europe are still low. Poland and the Czech Republic have increased their imports to several hundred tonnes per year. These volumes are comparable with those of the Scandinavian countries. If volumes grow in Western Europe, you can expect the Eastern European demand to increase in as well.

Although the import of papayas in Europe is increasing, it is still very low in relation to global production. With regard to consumption, Europe lags far behind producing countries and consumes much less than, for example, the United States. In theory, there is ample room for growth which you can support with promotional activities.

In Europe, trends are developing towards more sustainable approaches to production and processing regarding fresh fruit. Environmental and social issues are becoming increasingly important. Social and environmental certification schemes include actions aimed at sharply reducing and registering the use of pesticides, ensuring employee safety and/or even including price guarantees for producers.

Source: CBI

Effects on Costa Rican exports

The natural wealth of Costa Rica blended with the knowledge, accumulated over the years, of our farmers and scientists, has resulted in an incomparable variety of papaya. The Pococí Hybrid papaya from Costa Rica is a fruit that stands out inside and outside the country for its flavor, aroma, and high quality.

The Pococí Hybrid papaya from Costa Rica contemplates more than 90% of the fruit production in the country, with more than 1.000 hectares planted by more than 250 growers in the Pacific and Atlantic region.

Last year only, Costa Rica exported over USD 1,2 million, which represents almost 1.495 tons of fresh papaya, to highly quality demanding markets like Canada, Spain and Central American and Caribbean countries. In the first 4 months of the year, Costa Rica has exported USD 649 thousand, more than twice the amount exported in the same period of last year. In order to get more information about the vast and high-quality sustainable offer of papaya and other exotic fruits in Costa Rica, feel free to contact us at agricola@procomer.com