Australia is currently facing a pineapple shortage due to an earlier surplus from a mass flowering event in early 2023. This event led to an oversupply of pineapples, much of which was not harvested in time, resulting in a reduced supply and higher prices for the fruit.
In response to this shortage, pineapple producers from India and Indonesia are seeking to export their de-crowned pineapples to Australia. The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is assessing the biosecurity risks associated with these potential imports.
Australian farmers are concerned about the impact of imported pineapples on the local market. They fear that cheaper imports could lead to increased competition, affecting their sales and pricing. The final decision on whether to allow these imports will influence pineapple prices in Australia and could alter the dynamics between local and international producers.