Four Costa Rican companies have reportedly exported their first consignment of pineapples to the recently opened Chinese market, according to local media Nacion.

Exporters Upala Agrícola, Productos Agropecuarios Visa, Agromonte and Acón together shipped more than 15,000 12-kilo boxes, or nine containers, to the new market last Thursday (June 1).

The transit time is expected to be around 25 to 28 days.

Abel Chaves, president of industry association Canapep, explained he expected to see an increase in shipments to China over the coming days as a total of 20 companies are eligible for export.

The export protocols was signed between the two countries in March, after talks kicked off in 2011.

Chaves also said he did not expect the new market access to lead to an increase in pineapple hectarage in the Central American country, but rather take the pressure off prices in other markets over the coming months as high volumes come on.

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