In January, Paraguay dispatched its inaugural 26-ton shipment of Tahiti limes to Argentina, marking a new chapter for local producers. Frutibras, a Brazilian-owned agricultural company, spearheaded this export initiative. Christian Elías, an agronomist and director at Frutibras, noted the transition from importer to exporter, driven by Paraguay's expanding domestic lime production.
Elías emphasized the collaboration between growers, companies, and authorities in achieving this milestone. He stated, "The doors opened thanks to growers, businesses, and all the authorities who supported the idea from the very beginning when we first proposed exporting alongside local producers." Paraguay's National Plant and Seed Quality and Health Service (Senave) played a role in enabling this market entry by ensuring compliance with international standards.
Frutibras, founded in the 1990s by José Marcos Sarabia, initially focused on distributing agricultural inputs. Today, it trades various crops and maintains multiple offices across Paraguay. The lime industry in Paraguay remains small, with an annual production of 10,000 tons, compared to Brazil's 1.6 million tons. However, this new export avenue could enhance Paraguay's agricultural export portfolio.
Elías confirmed future shipments to Argentina, contingent on product supply. He highlighted the need for financial support to scale up exports, stressing the importance of public policies that offer financial tools and incentives to local businesses. This would facilitate growth into major exporters, contributing to job creation and increased foreign exchange earnings.
Source: Datamar News