Brazil's fruit exports have increased by 49% over the past decade, with data from Agrostat showing a rise from 733.2 million tons in 2014 to 1.1 billion tons in 2024. Despite slower growth compared to overall agribusiness, the sector underscores its economic relevance, especially given its foundation in family-based production. This is coupled with labor employment and product diversification.
Overall, agribusiness exports grew by 87% in volume, reaching 264.2 billion tons last year. Renato Francischelli, Ascenza Brasil Country Director, notes, "Fruits are important for Brazilian agribusiness and national agriculture. Most of the production is consumed within the country, but exports reveal the importance of fruit growers in the competitive export and agribusiness scenario in Brazil."
Brazil ranks as the third-largest fruit producer globally, with 2.5 million hectares cultivated and 5 million jobs supported. In 2023, the Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivatives Exporters (Abrafrutas) reported a production of 43 billion tons. Fruit exports generated $1.3 billion in 2024, up from $840.8 million in 2014.
Key export markets include the Netherlands, the UK, the US, and Spain, with Argentina as a notable South American partner. Challenges such as climate conditions, market access, and regulatory issues persist. Cepea highlights the need for value addition and technology to mitigate weather impacts.
Abrafrutas, in collaboration with ApexBrasil, aims to enhance Brazil's fruit export profile, focusing on strategic partnerships to boost market presence and reinforce the country's status as a high-quality exporter. The goal is to augment export volumes and customer bases, fostering economic and sustainable sector growth.
Source: Abrafrutas