“Excluding Bordeaux mixture in fig production resulted in a growth in volumes”

“The fig season started in November and runs till June. We expect to have the same growth rate of last season of 25%-30%. This is the second seasons with a significant increase with good statistics. Like every season, we experience ups and downs. The export market is always very good in November and December, as price and demand is at a good level during these months. Then January and February are slow months, and it recovers from March on. Then demand usually remains good till the end of the season, which is July. Then the European fig producing countries start their own season”, explains Mauricio Brotto from Brotto figs in Brazil.

He continues: “Brazil is one of the few countries that is able to produce figs year-round. However, we have a low season during our winter time, from July till October. The production is low during these months, but as well there is a lot more competition in the European market from producing countries. Therefore, during the low season we sell small volumes on the internal market, even though the focus of the company is export. Prices have been good in the beginning of the season. As usual, prices go down during this slow period. This is normal for the fig season.”

Bordeaux mixture
It’s two years since the European rules changed on the Bordeaux mixture used for fig production. “It’s a very safe product, as it’s even approved to be used in some organic production. However, some European countries decided to only import figs without visible residues. We were quite lost in the beginning, but we had to find a new way of producing in a short period of time. After a few months of trials and tests, we managed to completely change production, says Mauricio.

“This is the second season after the change, which has been very successful. We invested a lot in fertilizing productions that results in very productive fig trees. The same area is producing much more, so this is a very welcome result of this change. In addition, sales have increased as figs are becoming more accepted in the market. The figs look better and taste sweeter, as the Brix level has also increased.”

Fruit Logistica
Brotto Figs will be present at the Fruit Logistica. “We are always co-exhibiting with Nature´s Pride. This Dutch company is our biggest client, which imports about 70% of the total production. We are there to be able to speak with final clients, such as supermarket chains or catering people, to inform them and ask for their needs. As well, it shows how close our relationship is and has been over the past 16 years. Nature´s Pride redistributes the figs to all over Europe, such as the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Belgium, Switzerland and the Northern countries.”

You can visit Brotto Figs at Hall 1.2, stand a-07.

For more information:
Mauricio Brotto
Brotto Figs
Brazil
E: brotto@brottofigs.com
www.brottofigs.com