In Brazil’s tropical fruit sector, passion fruit stands out. The country leads the global market as the largest producer of passion fruit. In 2020, according to IBGE data, 690,364 tons of passion fruit were produced. With the collaboration of committed producers and innovative research institutions, the country is establishing itself as a power in the production and export of this tropical fruit.
Three passion fruit varieties are protagonists in the Brazilian cultivation scenario: the yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa), the purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) and the sweet passion fruit (Passiflora alata). With adequate irrigation, it is possible to grow the fruit throughout the year, adapting to the different climatic conditions of the various Brazilian regions.
In addition to supplying the domestic market, the country exports this fruit in various forms, including fresh fruit, canned fruit and concentrated juice. “It is the European countries that most enjoy this tropical delicacy, boosting the Brazilian fruit economy even more. Regarding the export of passion fruit juice, in 2021 Brazil sold around 891 tons, representing an increase of more than 91% compared to the previous yea,” comments Jorge de Souza, project manager at ABRAFRUTAS.
Source: abrafrutas.org