The grape season in Brazil is progressing well with promising quality and volume. However, the international market has been affected by external factors that are reshaping export strategies. Renato Alves, the commercial director of Coana, a Brazilian grape exporter, explains that the 2025 harvest started with excellent weather conditions.
© Coana
"This year, the weather was highly favorable, resulting in healthy, well-developed fruit. We began harvesting in September, and the initial long-distance shipments are now leaving," he stated. However, the market outlook remains uncertain.
One major challenge has been the sudden rise in tariffs that the United States imposed on Brazilian grapes. "It was an unexpected blow; they applied a 50% tariff just a month before the season began. Over 30% of our fruit was meant for this market, so we had to reroute it to places like the United Kingdom and the Nordic countries," he stated. This measure has prompted companies like Coana to reconsider their sales strategies and seek alternative markets in Europe.
© Coana
The European market, despite lower volumes, has absorbed some of the redirected supply. "England, Ireland, Sweden, and Norway are now strategic markets for us. Commercial programmes are holding steady," Alves said.
Domestically, Brazil has seen a significant increase in grape consumption. "It used to be among the top 10 or top 15 most consumed fruits; now, it ranks in the top 3. The development of new native varieties has also driven this demand," he noted. This internal growth has enabled growers to establish a strong domestic market, which helps absorb some of the effects of the international market.
© Coana
The executive notes that prices are still at historically favorable levels, though slightly lower than last year, which was unusually high due to exceptional conditions.
The sector still faces structural disadvantages, particularly in terms of manpower. "This is our biggest problem. We are located far from borders, so we can't rely on foreign workers like Spain or the U.S.," Alves stated. Additionally, logistical challenges persist, although there has been a slight improvement this year, due to less competition for space on ships, he added.
For more information:
Renato Alves
Coana
Tel: +55 87 3986 1542 / +55 87 9918 16467
Email: [email protected]
www.coanabr.com.br
