Black bean production exceeds consumption by around 100 thousand tons

This year, Brazilian production of black beans is expected to surpass domestic consumption for the first time. While demand for the product is around 520 thousand tons, the harvest in the 2021/22 harvest is estimated by the National Supply Company at 619,3 thousand tons, a difference of approximately 100 thousand tons. The analysis is published in the most recent edition of the AgroConab Bulletin, released last Friday (27).

The majority of black beans in the country are grown in the first two harvests of the legume, with 70% of total production concentrated in the state of Paraná. “With more attractive market prices for producers at the beginning of the year, when compared to the color variety, there was a reversal of behavior among producers in Paraná this year. In Paraná, the cultivation is mainly carioca in the second harvest. However, in the current harvest, the choice for black beans was preponderant in the first two harvests in the state”, explains the director of Agricultural Information and Agricultural Policies at Conab, Sergio DeZen.

Despite the start of the second harvest of the product, prices remain at high levels in the period for carioca beans. A factor that is explained by the uncertainty of the Paraná harvest, due to the weather conditions. “We may still have new surprises, if there is an intense volume of rain during the legume harvest”, recalls the Company's superintendent of Market Studies and Supply Management, Allan Silveira.

As for black beans, the increase in production also impacts demand. With greater supply on the market, the prices of black beans, after the increase observed in January, are falling, making this one of the factors of choice for the consumer, which limits the appreciation of carioca, the variety most consumed by Brazilians. “It is also worth highlighting that black beans allow for a longer storage period, when compared to carioca beans, which allows the producer more time to sell the product”, reinforces Conab market analyst, João Ruas.

According to Conab estimates, total production of beans (including colored, black and cowpea varieties) is expected to reach 3,1 million tons, while domestic consumption is estimated at 2,85 million tons.

Other products

In addition to the analysis on beans, AgroConab brings a monthly balance with information on internal and external prices, supply and demand framework and short and medium term perspectives for rice, corn, soybeans and wheat crops, as well as an overview of market for beef, pork and poultry. The publication also provides detailed information on the trade balance, an important tool for monitoring supply to the domestic market.