“The Brazilian lime production is all year-round. The greater weekly export volumes take place during January through August, then exports decrease. Last year, the decrease occurred as from week 31. This year in January volumes wasn´t as high as expected due to excessive rain. This rain also delayed the peak season to week 15 to week 20, compared to the weeks 11 to week 16 last year”, explains Roberto Aschenberger from Aschenberger Information Services.
The company Aschenberger Information Services produces weekly information on fruit exports from Brazil, and other Latin American countries to Europe and other destinations. “Utilizing our data, exporters can view the market trend and better plan their shipments. Importers on the other hand can plan their sales and distribution of the volumes that are arriving weekly. Our weekly information can show important data that should be considered during the decision making process.”
A few more examples can be given, for examples about mangoes. “The Peruvian mango export season to Europe normally decreases volumes around week 10 or 11. This year it has extended until week 15/16. Following these moves is critical for exporters to plan their shipments and importers to plan distribution and sales to retailers, says Roberto. “Through our graphs, our clients can see a pattern of mangoes exports over the years. When the volumes are stable, it’s easier to plan your exports. Any changes in volume from one country can affect the other country. Identifying changes quickly is a must, so the other party can adequate its export volumes accordingly.”
Another product that Aschenberger collects the data for are grapes. He explains that Brazil has a short grape season, starting in week 13 till week 21. Then the main grape season runs from week 37 till week 49. “The volume exported during the small season has been increasing as a result of new seedless varieties. These varieties played an important role in the 30% increase of the total exported volume in the year 2017, compared to the year 2016.”
Strikes
“Something important to mention is the serious truck strike which was widespread as from week 21 for 11 days in a row. During this period no cargo was moving. Exports stopped completely. Empty containers could not be picked up for packing and full ones could not arrive at the terminals for loading. The impact on Brazil´s economy was very high. It cost a few billion dollars to the country. The industry suffered heavily and companies had high losses”, concludes Roberto, though he is expecting to have it all back to normal shortly.
For more information:
Roberto Aschenberger
Aschenberger Information Services
Brazil
T: +55 71 99606-2007