Fruit growing sector stands out in Brazilian exports

In celebration of World Fruit Day, celebrated today, the role of fruit growing in Brazilian exports is highlighted. In 2023, around US$1,35 billion was moved by the sector, the highest number in the historical series. Since 2019, foreign fruit sales have exceeded US$1 billion, with an increase of 24,5% last year. The main destination for Brazilian fruit growing is the European Union, and around half of all fruit exported by Brazil is directed to the European bloc.

“Brazil is consolidating itself as the world's supermarket and fruits play a significant role in this issue. We celebrate this day, highlighting the Federal Government's commitment to opening new markets and opportunities for Brazilian fruits on the foreign market”, highlights the Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro.

Brazil occupies third place in the world ranking of fruit production, behind only China and India. The sector accounts for 16% of the entire agribusiness workforce, according to the Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivatives Exporters (Abrafrutas).

"Our success in Brazilian fruit exports, reaching a historic record last year, highlights the quality and diversity of national production. The growing global recognition, especially in the European Union and the United States, reinforces Brazil's competitive potential in the international fruit market fruits. We will continue to promote our fruits and explore new market opportunities", highlights SCRI secretary, Roberto Perosa.

The Ministry of Agriculture (Mapa) works to promote, develop and monitor Brazilian fruit growing, through good practices and incentives for exports. According to the Secretariat of Trade and International Relations (SCRI), the main fruits exported by Brazil in 2023 were:

- Sleeves: 266 thousand tons. The majority of exports are to the European Union, which acquired 65,5% of the exported value (US$205,82 million). Next are the United States (US$58,61 million; +100,9%); and the United Kingdom (US$20,57 million; +26,9%);

- Melons: 228 thousand tons. Sales are also concentrated to the European Union, which acquired US$2023 million in 127,11, equivalent to 67,2% of the entire value of fresh melons exported by Brazil. In addition to the EU, the main importers are the United Kingdom (US$53,0 million; +4,4%) and Canada (US$3,00 million; -11,9%);

- Grapes: 73 thousand tons. Sales of fresh grapes were concentrated in three markets: European Union (US$76,48 million; +62,7%); United States (US$58,15 million; +116,9%); and the United Kingdom (US$37,38 million; +27,1%);

- Lemons and limes: 166 thousand tons. The EU is also the main export market for these Brazilian fruits, where US$ 140,94 million were exported in 2023 to the European Bloc. This value meant 81,0% of all Brazilian exports of lemons and limes went there. Other markets with more than US$1 million were: United Kingdom (US$25,78 million; +13,0%) and Canada (US$2,04 million).

According to the Frutas do Brasil Project, the largest mango production is located in the northeast region. In relation to melons, the main producing state is Rio Grande do Norte. The grapes are produced concentrated in the state of São Paulo, the South region and some states in the Northeast.

The Secretary of Agricultural Defense (SDA) works to ensure the inspection and certification of Brazilian fruits, both for the domestic market and for exports.

Inspections are carried out both at processing or packaging establishments and in commerce. In processing establishments, audits can be carried out to verify the self-controls carried out by the companies and good manufacturing practices. In commerce, such as supermarkets, wholesalers and distribution centers, the focus of inspection is on collecting product samples.

Certification, on the other hand, is carried out on fruits for export only in cases where the country or economic bloc of destination of the merchandise makes demands, officially agreed, in relation to phytosanitary aspects (phytosanitary certification) or related to hygienic-sanitary controls carried out by the exporter ( international plant health certification). Most countries control fruit imports, collecting samples and analyzing them when the product is internalized.

According to the Plant Quality Inspection Coordination, exported fruits must be free from defects such as rot, stains, deformations, mechanical damage that affects the skin, among others. Countries that import Brazilian fruits also strictly control the presence of pesticide residues, and the presence of residues and their maximum permitted limits vary between countries.

Furthermore, currently in Brazil, there is the National Waste and Contaminant Control Plan (PNCRC Vegetal), which establishes goals for collecting annual samples for fruits and other products, in order to verify the presence of pesticide residues and other contaminants, leading to fines and fines for those responsible when non-conformities are found.