After careful estimation, Thailand's pineapple production has increased slightly this year compared with last year, but it is not optimistic. According to a report provided to Foodnews by Thai authorities, pineapple raw material supply has gradually shrunk since the 16th week of this year, with only 4,000 tons delivered to processing plants in the past three weeks, half of the normal amount. Foodnews was told that "according to the latest field survey in Prachuabkirikan earlier this week, there are fewer and fewer pineapples available during this period, so the current situation will continue until the end of this month". "Pineapple production may improve by June, but not dramatically." Weather is a factor. There's hardly any rain. The temperature has been very high in the past three weeks. According to climate researchers in Asian countries, rainfall in Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines may be limited in the next month or two. These countries are affected by strong El Nio phenomena, resulting in high pressure which hinders the formation of rain clouds. Although El Nio is weakening and is expected to disappear by the first half of this year, good rainfall by July is unlikely. Lack of rainfall affects summer and winter crops from May to June. After several months of decline, the price of raw materials and finished products of pineapple rebounded slightly. In mid-April, the price of pineapple in Prachuab was 9.5-10 baht/kg (27-28 cents/kg), but recently returned to 11.2-11.7 baht/kg. Pineapple prices in the northern provinces have been quoted at 12.2-12.5 baht/kg.