Three Promising Post-COVID Fruit Markets

We're all cautiously optimistic that the worst of the virus fallout is behind us.That's understandable. The unprecedented shock of the Covid-19 pandemic is thankfully starting to wear off. The global supply chain is slowly coming back online as vaccine numbers are ramping up around the world. However, the virus's implications on global supply chains will persist indefinitely and shape the emerging recovery accordingly.Being quite literally the world’s most essential and widespread industry, agriculture was certainly among the most impacted. Agriculture depends heavily on the stability of international supply chains, and is not immune to seismic logistical shifts.But the industry has adapted well, and as reopening marches on, some crops and regions are poised to flourish in the wake of the pandemic. Let's take a look at a few fruits that have withstood the pandemic well.

Taking The Edge Off: Wine Performs Well During COVID

Throughout 2020 global supply and demand for grapes plummeted in tandem with one another. However, the global market for grapes and wine has set the stage for a stunning reversal.These products may contain the missing link in avoiding Covid-19 infection and are commonly used in jams, jellies, raisins, and wines. Recent studies demonstrate that a lack of vitamin K makes Covid-19 infections far more potent.

Grapes are rich in vitamin K, assisting with oxygen uptake in the lungs and general blood flow within the body.Additionally, flavonoids within grapes inhibit the enzymes that cause Covid-19 to effectively replicate, further solidifying the fruit's place as a paragon of health.Grape derivative products are also shaping up to boost global demand for the product. Wine sales remained steady throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Wine, it seems, was a beverage of choice for easing the nerves of a locked-down population. This was especially reflected through online shopping, as revealed in a Market Watch report.

However, the various grape-producing regions of the world experienced diverse effects from the pandemic. French wine exports slumped while Portuguese exports rose markedly. This variance was mostly due to how the pandemic played out in individual countries.Recent Taiwanese research suggests that tannins in wine can help inhibit the Covid-19 enzyme. The study suggests that a small glass of wine per day can help fight sickness and boost global grape exports.Of course, it would be a stretch to say that health-conscious consumers are driving the resurgence in demand for wine. It might be more accurate to suggest that lockdown-exasperated people are looking to take the edge off of a stressful time in history, causing a rise in consumption. Whatever the case, the wine industry has very little cause for concern.

Pineapples

Pineapples are in a spectacular position when considering the pandemic. The height of the global lockdowns coincided with the peak demand season for the fruit — winter in North American and Europe are prime time for pineapple consumption.As such, industry impact was minimal at best, and with reopening well underway, the sweet citrus fruit is well-positioned to weather the brunt of the storm.Pineapples don't have much room for recovery, given the supply/demand dynamic wasn't heavily impacted by the virus overall. However, this doesn't mean that demand for the fruit won't soar to new heights. Bromelain, a group of enzymes found in pineapples, inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, disallowing the virus to express itself fully. In non-scientific terms, pineapples pack an incredible punch against Covid-19![ Pineapple Powder: The Supplement You’ve Never Heard Of ]

Contextualized by vaccine rollout difficulties on the continent, European demand for pineapple will very likely continue along its growth trajectory.

Coconut Rides Wave of Dairy Alternatives

If you go into any Starbucks on Earth, you’re likely to get asked which type of milk you’d like in your coffee. And chances are that among the most popular choices is coconut milk. That’s not limited to cafes - individual consumers are choosing coconut milk more often for their dairy alternative.Part of this is due to a rise in lactose intolerance in the developed world, which has causes too complex to delve into here. But the result has been hugely beneficial for the dairy alternatives market, which is projected to grow at a very promising CAGR of 9.6% for the next 6 years, according to market research firm Mordor Intelligence.

US Coconut Consumption

COVID-19 has also been a factor - as consumers flock to health-conscious products, the natural immune-boosting properties of coconut have become even more attractive. Coconut water - a long-time sports drink alternative - has experienced accelerated market growth, and was forecasted to grow about 16% in 2020, although exact numbers are not yet available.As for desiccated coconut, it has become a common ingredient in a range of bakery and confectionary goods, and consumers in the developed world are developing quite a taste for it. That’s not to mention its prevalence in many ethnic foods, like Thai curries and rice dishes.In general, coconut has proven pandemic-resilient due to its perceived health benefits, a rise in vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, and an increase in disposable income for consumers with health-conscious eating habits. Although COVID accelerated these trends, they won’t be going away any time soon.

Putting It All Together

The world is finally getting back to some semblance of normal. Nonetheless, the ghost of the pandemic will continue to persist in the form of health-conscious dietary choices and how we apply technology to agricultural practices.As such, certain crops and regions are well-positioned to enjoy a post-pandemic demand boom.[ 3 More COVID-Resistant Agriculture Commodities ]While the future remains uncertain, there is a clear trend towards better days to come.The tragedy of Covid is coming to a close. The ways we have adapted to the crisis can revolutionize entire regions and industries, presenting an unprecedented opportunity for those willing to seize the shifting trends.