The European market is driving demand for Brazilian tropical fruits with seasonal price increases and new opportunities for exporters. The family business Sebastião da Manga, with more than 500 employees and offices in Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands, has firmly positioned itself in the export of mango, lime, ginger, coconut, and, most recently, papaya. "We are a family business founded by my father. My brother, the new generation, and I are entering the business now," stated Ronaldo Araújo, representative of the group.
Mango remains the main product, although diversification has been important for growth. The company sends 28 pallets per week by air to supermarkets in Portugal and also provides sea transport. However, the weather remains a challenge. "We had three weeks of rain in a row, which made 500 tons of mango unsuitable for export," Araújo stated. These shipments are diverted to the domestic market, although at significantly lower prices.
The peak season for lime sales is also starting. "Demand picks up to freshen up summer drinks," he stated. Currently, a box in Europe is sold for 6 to 7 euros, but it could go up to 14 euros in May when demand peaks. In 2024, the company invested two million euros to supply Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and the United States in 2025, thus expanding its commercial window.
Baby ginger, which is exported by air between January and May, is facing more competition this year due to the strong production in Peru and China. "The price of a box has fallen from 40 to 45 euros last year to 30 euros now. But we still have to sell," Ronaldo stated. The harvest for sea transport will start in June, with similar volumes to last year, although with lower expected demand.
One of the most promising products for the group is papaya, which so far has been marketed locally for 80 reais per 10 kg box (about $13.50). Exports to Portugal and England will start in April with a 200-hectare plantation. "A 4.5 kg box sold for more than 11 or 12 euros in Portugal is excellent for us," he stated.
In addition to its commercial focus, the company has invested in automating processes and improving efficiency to face the shortage of agricultural labor. "It is increasingly difficult to hire staff on farms. We are investing in machinery to reduce this dependency," he said.
Despite logistical complications such as shipping delays and health bureaucracy, the group has maintained a constant growth: 30% in turnover last year and 40% the year before. "The secret is to maintain quality, open new markets, and add products. This is how we started: first mango, then lime, ginger, and now papaya," Ronaldo Araújo stated.
For more information:
Ronaldo Araújo
Sebastião da Manga
Tel.: +55 21 98458 1439
Email: [email protected]
www.sebastiaodamanga.com