Brazilian apple harvest begins with larger, high-quality fruit.

The national apple harvest for the 2025/2026 season was officially opened this weekend in Vacaria (RS), marking the beginning of a cycle characterized by the recovery of production volumes and the high quality of the fruit. The opening took place in an orchard belonging to Rasip Agro and brought together authorities, producers, and representatives of the sector.

Larger apples, with excellent color, good juiciness, and a balance between sugar and acidity are some of the characteristics expected to mark this harvest, a result of more favorable weather conditions throughout the production cycle. This scenario contributes to adding value both in the domestic market and in exports.

According to the Brazilian Association of Apple Producers (ABPM), national production should reach between 1,05 million and 1,15 million tons, a volume that represents the sector's recovery after two years of harvests below the historical average.

According to the president of ABPM, Francisco Schio, the moment is one of consolidating quality coupled with the resumption of production. “This harvest signals a return to volumes closer to normal, with an important quality differential. We have apples with excellent visual standards, balanced flavor, and a high level of technology in the field, which strengthens Brazil's competitiveness,” he stated.

The organization's CEO, Moisés Lopes de Albuquerque, highlighted that the results reflect the sector's planning, technology, and resilience. "The harvest shows that, even in the face of adversity, the sector remains strong, organized, and committed to quality, sustainability, and the country's development. The Brazilian apple is the fruit of hard work, science, and courage," he said.

Representing the industry, the CEO of RAR Agro & Indústria, Sergio Martins Barbosa, emphasized the positive impact of weather conditions closer to normal. "This is reflected in fruits of excellent quality, good flavor, and high shelf life, strengthening the competitiveness of Brazilian apples," he assessed.

exports on the rise

During the opening of the harvest season, the expansion of Brazilian apple exports was also highlighted. The projection for 2025/2026 is 60 tons shipped, with approximately 40 tons originating from Rio Grande do Sul and 20 tons from Santa Catarina.

Currently, Brazilian apples are exported to more than 20 countries, including India, Portugal, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia. "Exports are essential for the sector's balance, especially during the harvest season when domestic supply is higher," emphasized Moisés Lopes de Albuquerque.

The federal superintendent of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) in Rio Grande do Sul, José Cleber Dias de Souza, highlighted the role of the sector and public policies in consolidating national fruit farming. “It is a responsibility to continue and improve this work, helping Brazil maintain its status as an exporter, after ceasing to be an importer in the 1970s. The Ministry of Agriculture has a fundamental contribution to make in this process,” he stated.

Integration and innovation 

Following the opening ceremony, participants undertook a technical visit to the Embrapa unit in Vacaria, strengthening the dialogue between producers, researchers, and public managers on innovation, productivity, and sustainability in the apple supply chain.

The event brought together leaders from the public and private sectors, including representatives from ABPM, Rasip Agro, Embrapa, Mapa, the Government of Rio Grande do Sul, as well as mayors, parliamentarians, and local and state authorities.