Following the sluggish performance of competitor countries affected by El Niño, Brazilian fruit exports thrived in 2023. With the climatic pattern set to weaken, but still impacting competition, Brazilian farmers predict another prosperous export year. The launch of new markets is also anticipated to contribute to this progression.
Last year, export revenues hit a record $1.34 billion, marking a 23.5% increase from the previous year. The opening of new markets, coupled with the resurgence in volume shipped and the price of primary export fruits - melons, mangoes, and grapes, are projected to yield favorable outcomes, according to industry sources and analysts.
Guilherme Coelho, President of the Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Export Producers (Abrafrutas): “If you have irrigation, you have water control with quality fruit all year round. The significant rebound in second-half exports was due to irrigated fruit regions.”
Peru, Brazil's main mango export competitor, faced climatic challenges, resulting in a decrease in harvested volume and providing Brazil with an opportunity in the global market. Coelho noted, “We are practically the only country placing mangos in Europe and the United States, whereas in the past, during this period, Peru had a strong presence.”
Alongside the primary export fruits, there is optimism about other fruits, such as avocados, which saw a 143.4% increase in export volume in 2023.
Valeska de Oliveira Ciré, a representative in Brazil of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), said, “Brazil is not going to become one of the world’s biggest avocado exporters overnight. But it’s interesting to look at the diversification of our exports.”
Source: www.datamarnews.com