The Brazilian fruit industry is currently navigating through a mixed landscape of challenges and opportunities, as outlined by Eduardo Brandão, the executive director of the Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruits (Abrafrutas). Despite facing adverse climate conditions such as uncontrolled fires and historic droughts, the sector remains optimistic, especially with the onset of the peak export season. Brandão notes that fruit farming has shown resilience amidst these challenges, with an anticipated growth in fruit exports of about 5% in both volume and value for 2024.
In an interview with Agrofy News, Brandão highlighted that 2023 has been a record-breaking year for Brazilian fruit exports, surpassing 1.2 billion dollars. He emphasizes the significant market expansions achieved in 2023 and 2024, with the sector successfully opening more than half a dozen new international markets and progressing in negotiations with over 10 others. Brandão particularly noted the recent success in exporting avocados to Japan as an example of the sector's achievements in diversifying its market presence, including new opportunities in Asia and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite the broader agricultural sector grappling with climate impacts, fruit farming has been comparatively less affected. Brandão mentions that while there is an expectation of reduced harvests for certain fruits like oranges and lemons in São Paulo, significant impacts have not been confirmed. Abrafrutas has initiated systematic monitoring across approximately 30 regions in Brazil to support producers and minimize potential losses. This initiative aims to mitigate adverse effects and maintain production continuity.
The issue of smoke from fires and droughts was also discussed as a potential threat to productivity, which could influence fruit prices, particularly in the domestic market. In March 2024, Abrafrutas, along with other sector representatives, met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss the impact of fruit farming in Brazil and to present demands for governmental support. Since this meeting, there have been advancements, notably in the expansion of international markets for Brazilian fruits.
Brandão also highlighted the role of technology in enhancing the productivity and quality of exported fruits, underscoring the sector's efforts to promote fruit consumption both domestically and internationally to ensure its sustainable growth.
Source: Abrafrutas