Fruit exports tend to grow in 2021 to the Middle East, Asia and the United Arab Emirates

Melon, grapes, mango and Tahiti lemon are the main fruits exported to the Middle East, Asia and the United Arab Emirates according to information from the Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivatives Exporters (ABRAFRUTAS). “There is a great expectation of growth in fruit exports to the Middle East block (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates) and to the Asian continent, specifically, China and South Korea. Our fruits have quality and are highly appreciated by these countries”, highlights the president of ABRAFRUTAS, Eduardo Brandão.

 

The amount for 2020 (January to October) brought impetus to the recovery with an increase of 2,8% compared to the same period in 2019. In total, 725.759 thousand tons were exported this year. Mango stood out with 163.758 thousand tons, and in second place was fresh melon with 155.043 thousand tons and in third place were lemons and limes with 105.426 thousand tons. “The tendency is for exports to peak in the last quarter of the year, when there is greater demand from countries. The intention is to close the year with US$1 billion in revenue. If we don't reach the full amount, we will be very close. Everything will depend on the exchange rate”, comments Brandão.

Middle Eastern countries

Eduardo also talks about the market potential of Middle Eastern countries, which were responsible for importing around 15 thousand tons of fruit in 2019.

 

The United Arab Emirates was the largest importer from Arab countries, in 2019, it ranked 13th among countries importing Brazilian fruits (number below in tons).

 

CertifyHalal tion

For market expansion to be possible, Brazilian producers need to adapt to the requirements of Islamic jurisprudence. Most importing countries, mainly Arab Muslim countries, have required halal certification. This certification certifies that the fruits are produced in accordance with the guidelines of Islamic law and are permitted for consumption by around 1,8 billion Muslims around the world. “In addition to being recognized worldwide as a seal that attests to Good Manufacturing Practices, safety and quality, halal certification has even been requested by countries that are neither Arab nor Muslim, such as Japan, China and Canada. Previously, it was enough to have the product certified to be exported, but today most importers are demanding the halal quality seal throughout the production chain”, comments the commercial manager of Cdial Halal, Omar Chahine.

According to Chahine, the halal audit for the fruit market encompasses the entire chain, from planting, harvesting, pre-selection and classification, processing, washing, sanitizing, rinsing, drying, waxing, storage and transportation. “We evaluate inputs, lubricants and other ingredients, so that the process has a total guarantee of product safety and meets the standards of Islamic jurisprudence, mainly the absence of any porcine origin or alcohol”, comments Chahine.