Paulo Dantas, Agrodan:
“Brazil the only country supplying mangoes to Europe all year round”
"We export mangoes all year round, although our peak season runs from mid-October to mid-January. In those three months, our volume is tripled, and so far this season has been very good," explains Dantas.
Each market has its own preferences
Agrodan supplies a number of varieties, namely the Tommy Atkins, Keitt and Palmer, all year round and the Kent between September and January, as Brazil’s weather conditions do not make it possible to produce the latter during the rest of the year. Growing so many different varieties allows the company to supply all of Europe, since, according to Dantas, each market has its own preferences. "Some markets, such as Spain and Portugal, prefer the Palmer, and others, such as France, prefer the Kent. The United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland buy both the Kent and Keitt, while eastern markets, such as Russia and Poland, as well as Italy, prefer the Tommy Atkins," explains the exporter.
Domestic market
As for the domestic market, for now Agrodan does not supply it, although it has plans to do so in the future, without giving up exports. "Brazil is a very large market for the Tommy Atkins and Palmer, but the Kent or Keitt are not as popular. We are trying to enter this market without reducing our export volume. To do this, we will double our volume in five years," affirms Dantas. Currently, the company owns 1,000 hectares for the production of mangoes and it plans to expand this to 2,000 hectares within five years.
Although Agrodan has no difficulties in the European market, it would soon also like to export to other markets, such as Asia. In the past, it also supplied the US market, but, at present, its main market is Europe.
Brazil competes with Peru
Its biggest competitor is Peru from December till April, which also supplies mangoes to the European market. This year the competition will be more complicated in December, because of the concentration of the fruit from both countries.
Dantas explains that Brazil has the advantage because it’s the only country that is able to supply mangos all year round. Furthermore, the company has a very efficient planning for the season, signing its contracts in advance, and has customers who only buy Brazilian mangoes.
Agrodan has great expectations for the season, because it has a large volume and is not having any trouble selling it. Most export is done by seafreight and only small quantities are exported by air. Compared to the previous season, production in Brazil is somewhat delayed, although, according to Dantas, his company is not seeing much of a difference.
Political situation
Dantas also discussed the current political situation in Brazil and believes that tensions have dissipated, that the situation has greatly improved and that, while the Government of Michel Temer is temporary, it is the best thing that has recently happened to the country, as there was a lot of political corruption.
Social work
Agrodan is the largest producer of mangoes in Brazil. Founded almost 30 years ago, this family company also does excellent social work. "We are going to build a school for children. Although our region is the poorest in the country, our philosophy is 'to grow together', and we hope to give children a better education so they can have more opportunities to choose their future. The school will be ready within a year, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of our company. We will start building it in December." Moreover, the company invests in its nearly 1,000 employees to train them and motivate them. "They are very happy," he concludes.
More information:
Paulo Dantas - Commercial Director
Agrodan
T: +55 81 9972-3002
T. Recife office: +55 81 3081 2602
E: [email protected]
www.agrodan.com.br