For the Brazilian association Brapex, mostly devoted to the production and export of papayas, Europe is a very important market, with 80% of its total shipments, which go mostly to Spain, Portugal, the UK and Germany. “The EU market has been fairly stable in terms of sales for the past three years, and with visits to events and fairs we aim to continue boosting them,” says Franco Fiorot, executive director of the firm.
According to Franco, Brazilian papayas are one of the most renowned worldwide, but “demand in Brazil has also increased as a direct result of the growing purchasing power of domestic consumers. While in the past Brazilians bought lower quality fruit and exported the better quality, nowadays this trend is changing and they also demand premium quality.”
Regarding the current potential of the Russian market, Franco explains that Brapex already started working with Russian importers about three years ago, but that it entails some difficulties because to export to this country it is essential to have the right contacts.
In the papaya market, Brazil’s main competitor is Mexico; Franco, however, assures that “when it comes to technical and climatic factors, and taking into account that they are able to ensure year-round supply of top quality produce, Brazil has a competitive advantage.”
Brapex is currently developing a new variety to improve the flavour and increase the productivity as well as the resistance to plagues. “We are trying to find a variety that will perfectly combine not only a good taste, but also shelf life so that it can easily be exported,” states Mr Fiorot.
More information
Brapex
Tel +55 (27) 99984-1991
email: franco@brapex.net
website: www.brapex.net