Production challenges arose from early-year rains in Espírito Santo and southern Bahia, complicating control of fungal diseases and hindering field operations. By mid-year, climatic variations affected different Brazilian regions. The Northeast faced high temperatures, while the Southeast encountered cooler, more humid conditions.
In Espírito Santo, Hortifrúti/Cepea sources indicate that successive cold fronts in June adversely affected papaya quality and growth. The result was smaller fruits and delayed ripening, leading to a constrained supply at the start of the second semester. Despite these conditions, producers anticipate lower consumer demand due to the school holidays and winter season affecting purchasing patterns.
As temperatures are expected to rise, producers foresee an increase in papaya supply, which could enhance fruit quality, particularly in southeastern zones and Bahia.
Source: HF Brasil
