The information source related to the offer, prices and seasonality of the pineapple fruit is a factor of great interest as to the producers as to the wholesalers. Such information may contribute to a better harvest, commercialization and price evaluation planning of the period. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the price seasonality and the amount of pineapple commercialized at the Entreposto Terminal de São Paulo (ETSP) of the Companhia de Entrepostos e Armazéns Gerais de São Paulo (CEAGESP) from September/2005 to March/2006. Interviews with wholesalers provided us data concerning to the origin of each variety studied, the price paid to producers, the wholesaler's price and the amount of fruit received each day. In order to understand the process of commercialization of the varieties of 'Smooth Cayenne' and 'Pérola', salespeople employed by the three wholesale companies were asked to answer questionnaires concerning the whole process. Based on marketing information provided by wholesalers, it was suggested that the producers of 'Smooth Cayenne' should organize the production throughout the period of November and February, preferably in the form of an association. The three pineapple wholesalers interviewed predict stability in the amount of pineapple commercialized at the CEAGESP, with an increase in 'Pérola' variety and a decrease in 'Smooth Cayenne' variety. From September 12th, 2005 to March 20th, 2006, there was a good stability of prices paid to producers for both varieties, with an increase in 'Pérola' prices from January 23rd to March 6th, 2006 and in 'Smooth Cayenne' prices from February 6th to March 6th, 2006. The wholesalers consider the variety 'Smooth Cayenne' better valued from November to January and the variety 'Pérola' better valued from March to June and in November and December. With the present situation and future predictions of a stable commercialization of the fruit, it is fundamental that its taste is guaranteed and is always monitored by associations of producers in partnerships with the Horticulture Quality Center (CQH-CEAGESP) and with wholesalers as well, particularly for the variety 'Smooth Cayenne'.
Ananas comosus; 'Smooth Cayenne'; 'Pérola'; price and amount
