Agriculture ministry now working towards access to the US market as plantings grow
Dominican dragon fruit is seeking new export markets as production continues to grow. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture indicates that there are some 400ha planted in the country, more than double the area planted in 2017.
As reported by newspaper El Día, dragon fruit is transitioning from being a little-known fruit to large-scale production, providing a source of income for hundreds of producers throughout the country, especially in the Cibao region and eastern regions.
The country produces both red and white-fleshed dragon fruit. Although the red variety is more popular in the local market, the white variety maintains higher demand in the international market. Production is concentrated between May and November, but new technologies are helping to extend the season throughout the year.
According to data from the Dominican Republic Pitahaya Cluster, there are 160 registered dragon fruit producers in the country. The largest production area is in the Cibao region, especially in the provinces of Santiago and Puerto Plata, while the east ranks second in production and the South maintains a smaller presence in the industry.
According to Silverio Rafael Chávez, president of the cluster, pitahaya exports are currently directed mainly to the Caribbean islands, including Saint Martin and the Bahamas. Smaller quantities are also shipped to Europe, primarily Spain and France.
He said the country’s production base has become more consolidated, with many smaller growers abandoning the crop and larger-scale producers entering the sector.
Among the main challenges facing pitahaya production is the need to increase storage capacity through investment in cold storage facilities. It is estimated that between 30 and 35 per cent of production goes for juice production because it does not meet the standard to be sold as fresh.
