Guava Prices Explained

Healthy production and steady demand fuel guava prices to remain at moderate levels. The commodity’s increasing popularity in food processing, biotechnology, and medical fields drives its international demand.

Guava’s popular varieties such as white and pink types both exhibit superior qualities compared to last year’s harvest, with a 10% increase in brix value. However, both varieties decreased their yields by 10% due to the unpredictable weather systems experienced by their producing countries, particularly in India. 

As guava’s health benefits spread across regions, its consumption increases. For instance, the beverage sector recorded a 3% rise in its sales due to the growing demand for drink formulations that use guava. Thus, a positive note for guava prices. 

Why are guava prices fluctuating?

1. Weather Conditions

Weather-related factors that impact the quantity and quality of guavas might cause prices to fluctuate based on prevailing weather conditions like drought, floods, frost, hail, and storms.

For instance, Brazil experienced a 50% price increase for guavas due to a severe drought that affected the country’s major production regions. Thus, such unfavorable weather conditions play a big part in increasing guava prices.

2. Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases that harm guava plants such as fruit flies, mealybugs, anthracnose, and wilt, have an impact on guava prices, too. These problems reduce fruit productivity and quality which raises the cost of production for disease and insect management. As a result, a decrease in the supply of guava may lead to higher costs.

3. Market Competition

Alternative fruits such as apples, pears, mangoes, and papayas compete with guava prices in the market. Thus, impacting consumer preferences as buyers have the privilege to purchase cheaper alternatives. For instance, Mexico frequently experiences alternating fluctuating guava and mango prices as these fruits’ prices largely depend on their availability.

4. Production Costs

Generally, the costs farmers spend during guava cultivation and harvesting such as labor, fertilizer, irrigation, transportation, and packaging have an impact on its prices. When production costs escalate, farmers may reflect these increases in consumer prices, resulting in higher guava prices. For example, the COVID-19 outbreak in India caused labor and shipping expenses to soar, resulting in a 20% increase in guava prices.

Which variables impact the price of guava?

• Weather Conditions
• Pests and Diseases
• Market Competition
• Production Costs
• Supply and Demand
• Global Market Condition
• Consumer Preference
• Transportation Costs

Where does guava come from?

Guava is a Myrtaceae tree that grows strongly and is mostly known for its delicious fruits. Additionally, these trees show adaptability to various ranges of climates that are present in tropical and subtropical areas across the world. Its fruit harvesting often relies on subjective assessments of factors such as fruit size, skin color, and firmness.

Furthermore, it comes in different varieties, each with its unique characteristics in terms of taste, texture, and appearance. Some common varieties of guava include:

1. Apple Guava – The most common variety is recognized by its circular form and green or yellow peel. Also, its white or pink flesh tastes slightly sour and sweet.

2. Mexican Cream Guava – Known for its yellow or white colored flesh,  this kind is popular for its smooth consistency and sweet flavor.

3. Strawberry Guava – Also called red cherry guava, this variety is distinguished by its smaller fruits which are often red or yellow. Additionally, it tastes sweet and is frequently similar to strawberries.

4. Pineapple Guava – It has a unique flavor similar to a combination of pineapple and mint. Its flesh color ranges from white to faintly pink, and the skin is typically green.

5. Ruby Supreme Guava – This variety is recognized for its fruits with red skin and pinkish-red flesh, offering a sweet taste with a hint of tartness.

6. Lemon Guava – Known for its lemon-like flavor, this variety features yellow skin and yellow or pink flesh.

What are the uses of guava?

Guava is known for its ripe, sweet, and exotic flavor. Additionally, its leaves posted numerous health benefits that even traditional Japanese healing medicine relies largely on. Furthermore, this tropical fruit is extremely nutrient-dense and is eaten raw or prepared in many ways. Guava has various industrial applications, including:

1. Food Processing – Processing guava yields numerous food products such as purees, jams, jellies, and juices. These processed goods are widely consumed and have a big impact on the food processing sector.

2. Cosmetics – Guava extracts are rich in vitamins and antioxidants and they are used in cosmetic compositions as they provide skin-nourishing qualities.

3. Pharmaceuticals – Due to their therapeutic qualities, guava leaves and extracts have potential uses in the pharmaceutical sector. Research on the medicinal properties of different guava-derived ingredients is still ongoing.

4. Flavorings and Fragrances – Guava’s distinct and delicious scent finds use in the production of flavorings and scents for the food and cosmetics sectors.

What is the future price of guava?

The popularity of tropical white guava has surged globally due to its widespread availability and increasing health-conscious consumer preferences.

The fruit’s year-round accessibility and nutritional benefits contributed to its rising demand, particularly as consumers incorporate it into their regular diets. Also, the rise of plant-based diet proteins expands its application. For instance, some protein shake manufacturers incorporate 4.0 grams of guava as this tropical fruit is rich in vitamin C and fiber, which are good for muscle building.

Another rising application of this commodity is the fresh canning market. As the demand for natural juices rapidly increases, 70% of guava is sold in the juice market.

As a result, the market is predicted to rise significantly in North America as a result of rising demand for juices, ice creams, and organic food items. Thus, the price of guava will reach $2.05 per kilogram in 2028 and its market size is estimated to reach $1,250 million by 2027.