"Fruit Logistica is very important because we'll start exporting in March"

Historically, almost 90% of Cutrale's fresh fruit production has been shipped to the European market. Its main destination is Spain, but it also has a strong presence in other markets such as the UK, France and the Netherlands, for example. "We offer fresh fruit all year round, but only export to Europe during its off season. We usually start with shipments of lemons in March and finish every year in early October with Valencia oranges." During that period, the Mediterranean countries are not in season and most citrus fruits are imported from the Southern Hemisphere.

Next year, Amorim expects Eureka lemons to gain some market share. "We are expanding the acreage, so I think that next year we will have more lemons available, as well as some more Navel oranges."

Cutrale started in the domestic market a few years ago and Amorim is very pleased with the good response of Brazilian consumers. "It has been spectacular. Up until three years ago, we barely participated in the domestic market and today we already look at the results achieved by our brand and its recognition by customers almost nationwide."

He certifies that this excellent result is mainly due to the company's mentality. "We focused solely on exports, but also realised it was time to supply our fruit here in Brazil. Soon, we saw that the brand was consolidating because of the excellent quality and our ability to continue supplying quality fruit all year round."

According to Amorim, Cutrale's main competitor in the field of fruit exports is South Africa, which is able to supply much larger volumes than Brazil and is more specialised in table fruits, while the Brazilian company is mostly devoted to fruits intended for juice production. "Europe already acknowledges the characteristics of the Brazilian fruit for juicing and choose it because of its taste and characteristics." In 2015, for example, 45% of the fruit exported to the EU was intended for the production of fruit juices and fruit salads.

Amorim is optimistic about next year, although they also acknowledge that the current political and economic situation in Brazil is complicated and could certainly yet have an impact on the 2016 campaign. "We have built a good reputation as suppliers of quality fruit and a great service, so we'll keep our regular customers and try to increase our market share in Europe and perhaps also a little in the Middle East and Asia." As for Russia, the veto imposed to Europe and Turkey could help the company increase its market share, but only to a limited extent.

Cutrale will be present again at Fruit Logistica in February, as it is an extremely important event for the company. "It's an opportunity to meet with our key customers and find new clients. Europe is our main market, so it's crucial to be there, hear everyone's opinions and then devise strategies for the coming season. It is a very important for us because the 2016 season will start in March with lemons and Navel oranges will arrive in May." Accounting for over 90% of Cutrale's exports, European customers are the cornerstone of the company when it comes to fresh fruit and Amorim assures that they will try to supply them with the best quality fruit and logistics services possible, as always.