Brazil’s Fruit Sales Hit $1.34 Billion, Up 23.5%

In 2023, Brazil’s fruit exports grew by 23.5% to reach $1.34 billion in sales. Abrafrutas reported a record revenue of $1.2 billion, up 26.7% from 2022.

The Paranaguá Terminal’s cold storage areas were key to this success.

Mangoes, grapes, watermelons, melons, and lemons led the exports. They totaled over 1.11 million tons, a 5.9% increase from the previous year.

The top exporters were Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Bahia, São Paulo, and Ceará.

Abrafrutas and Conab reported different figures due to their product range focus.

Abrafrutas celebrated a sector high with earnings up 26.73% and volume up 6%, sending over a million tons abroad.

Guilherme Coelho, Abrafrutas president, credited this to growers’ dedication and environmental care.

Mangoes were most popular, with over 266,000 tons exported, a 51.52% value increase and 15% volume rise.

Melons came next, with 228,000 tons and a 20.93% value and 2.61% volume increase.

Background

Brazil stands as a leader in South America’s fruit market. Its favorable climate enables the cultivation of diverse fruits, setting it apart in the region.

Mangoes and lemons from Brazil are especially sought after in international markets.

Even though Brazil set a revenue record in 2023 for fruit sales, it still lags behind in export volume.

Peru and Chile outperform Brazil with revenues of $5 billion and $7 billion, respectively.

Eduardo Costa, Abrafrutas executive, warns that Europe is getting stricter about fruit quality.

He suggests that more Brazilian farmers should get Global G.A.P certified. Most of Brazil’s fruit exports go to the European Union.

Costa says Brazil needs to diversify its markets to grow.