In 2024, the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo experienced a 35.94% increase in papaya export volume, reaching 19.4 thousand tons and generating $28.3 million in revenue. This marked a 34.67% revenue increase from the previous year, translating to approximately R$167.7 million at the current exchange rate. Despite not surpassing the 2021 export volume record of 24 thousand tons, the revenue achieved in 2024 was the highest ever recorded by the state.
Nationally, Brazil exported 44 thousand tons of papaya in 2024, up 16.2% from the previous year. The total revenue from these exports reached $58.1 million, an increase of 9.5% year-over-year. Espírito Santo led the national exports, accounting for 44% of Brazil's total papaya exports. Rio Grande do Norte followed with 33%, while Bahia and Paraíba each contributed 8%. The main destinations for Brazilian papaya were Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, with Portugal alone receiving 30% of total shipments.
The National Supply Company (Conab) noted that increased national supply, particularly in the second half of the year, supported export demand. The high quality of Brazilian papayas contributed to this growth, with Europe remaining the largest market for the fruit, sourced mainly from Espírito Santo, Bahia, Rio Grande do Norte, and Ceará.
José Roberto Macedo Fontes, president of the Brazilian Association of Papaya Producers and Exporters (Brapex), highlighted that in 2021, Brazil exported 50.2 thousand tons of papaya, earning $50.6 million. In 2024, despite a lower volume, the country reached $58 million in revenue, reflecting improvements in international marketing. Fontes also mentioned that in the early 2000s, Espírito Santo had record export volumes but lower earnings, exemplified by the 27.4 thousand tons exported in 2003, generating only $20 million.
Logistical and production challenges persist in the papaya sector. A key issue is the changing profile of producers, with many focusing on coffee cultivation. Fontes noted that a significant portion of current papaya production comes from coffee farmers in northern Espírito Santo and southern Bahia. Logistics, particularly reliance on air transport due to pandemic-related restrictions, also pose challenges. A shift back to maritime transport could increase export volumes.
Looking forward to 2025, gradual growth in export volume and revenue is anticipated. Normalizing transportation routes could boost exports, though no major surges are expected. Climate conditions, such as well-distributed rainfall, will play a role in supporting production. Concerns about viral diseases affecting papaya plantations remain, as these cannot be controlled with chemicals, requiring infected plants to be cut, and reducing cultivated areas and production.
Source: DatamarNews
