Fruit exports grow in the first half of 2021

 

Fruit exports grow in the first half of 2021

Numbers surprise the sector and leave producers excited for the second half

Fruit exports in the first half of this year showed a 29% increase in volume compared to the half of last year. More than 515 thousand tons of fruit were shipped from January to June 2021, which allowed sales of US$ 440.1 million, 40% more than in 2020, which generated US$ 314.9 million. By following this estimate of increase, the Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Derivatives (Abrafrutas) believes that this year the goal of the first billion dollars will be reached.

The grape was the highlight of this period, it doubled exports in volume and value. About 21 thousand tons of fruit were exported, 110% more in volume and 98% in value. The weather collaborated with this result, unlike last year when there was rain in the first half, which limited production. Allied to this, the high exchange rate and the scenario of very low prices in the domestic market, boosted exports. Finally, according to grape producers, there was also an increase in productivity.

Apples also continue to perform well, with more than 92 thousand tons being shipped to the international market. In revenue, the increase was 101%, with sales of US$ 69.8 million. The apple export window is in the first half of the year, with July being the last relevant month for exports. The main importing countries are Russia, Bangladesh and India.

Mangoes are still at the top, being the most exported, more than 79 thousand tons were shipped, and they earned more than US$ 79 million dollars in these first six months of the year. The numbers have surprised the sector and producers are quite optimistic with the results, which proves that the agro industry has not stopped in the face of the global pandemic.

“We are using more and more technologies every time, which makes our fruit even tastier and of the highest quality, and this has surprised the market, in addition to the search for healthy food, as the world is eating better. In addition, our fruits are certified, have traceability, that is, we are following all the standards required in the international market, and this has corroborated these results”, stated the president of the Guilherme Coelho Association.

Europe continues to be the main destination for Brazilian fruit exports, but according to the president at Abrafrutas, one of the sector's goals is to expand markets and diversify the crops already exported. “We have already started our melon exports to China and we are well advanced in the negotiations to ship the grape. Another market that is already in the final stages is our avocado for the United States. A visit by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) inspectors to the production areas is scheduled for the end of this month”, said Guilherme Coelho.

Source: Abrafrutas