The Brazilian papaya producer and exporter Song River based in the State of Bahia wish to expand their exports from the traditional European markets to Asia and North America. "We want to expand to other continents to show our best tasting Formosa papaya's," states Rosiane Zago, international sales representative of Song River.
Rosiane Zago, international sales representative of Song River in Hong Kong.
She has just returned to Brazil from showcasing their fruit to the Asian market in Hong Kong. "To participate as an exhibitor at the fair gave us a great experience in terms of understanding what the new possibilities are, how the Chinese people work and what they are looking for. This gave us knowledge to be ready when Brazil gets duty-free access to trade papaya with China. Taking the chance to show and promote Song River Formosa, we accessed the curiosity of many who came to taste our fruit," says Zago proudly.
The FTA between Brazil and China will first start for table grapes in October, but she's hopeful with the recent experience, Song River will be ready for when it's their turn. "In October it is the time for grapes to have the opportunity, but for papaya unfortunately we will need to wait."
Song River is located in Cafarnaum Bahia, in the centre of the state of Bahia. The papayas in the current season has some issues with spots, says Zago. "It is a great place to grow Formosa papaya. Song River has great tasting Formosa papaya that has excellent sweetness, which is preferred in many markets. We are continuing to grow and expanding our production areas in Bahia. Our 2024 season has been a good year with lots of wonderful tasting Formosa papaya. We are suffering as normal with spots this time of year, but working on getting better windows of planting and better control for the spotting issue."
Zago says they have already turned their attention to the next big show, namely Fruit Attraction in Madrid, taking place early in October. "This will give us an opportunity to be connected and expand our business with a different tasting Formosa papaya."
Song River is also working on exporting their papayas to Canada. "We do not export papaya to Canada yet, we have good prospects for starting work in Canada. The fair in Hong Kong brought us a very good potential client," concludes Zago.
For more information:
Rosiane Zago
Song River
Tel: +39 339 1692 955
[email protected]
www.songriverfruits.com