Denise Braga, from Batia, Brazil, says that the growing season has been fantastic, "We had rain when we most needed it, and dry periods when needed as well. Although we strongly depend on the weather every single day, everything points to a very nice season."
Denise is confident exports will increase compared to last year and says the first shipment is already spoken for. Batia's main market is Europe, but she says Asia and Canada is also showing more demand for exotics. Although they do not supply the local market, Denise says the demand here is increasing for all products.
The Brazilian mango season is also getting underway. Palmer mango from Brazil is a fibre-less mango and according to Denise is very tasty. Batia can supply the Palmer mango from November to February as they grow in 2 regions of Brazil.
Denise explains that exchange rates were not favourable at the beginning 2012 and this added to rising costs has been a serious issue, but the main issue is the weather.
"Our business is fully linked to weather conditions, it is always our main challenge. The crisis in Europe has become an additional issue to us, it has also affected the demand and the mood of consumers. We are overcoming those challenges by improving our quality in general, through best services, new agreements with airlines, acquiring a new farm of figs, improving the version of GlobalGap certification and working on BSCI certification. All this settles us as a serious company, committed with our responsibilities and all demands and requirements of our target market, our clients and consumers."
For more information:
Denise Braga
Batia
Tel: +55 11 5092 4490
Mob: +55 11 9 8244 4182
Email: denisebraga@batia.com.br
www.batia.com.br