The much-needed rain has finally fallen in the State of São Paulo in Brazil, to the big relief of lime growers in this major growing region. The recent rain follows months of dry and hot weather that led to damaging wildfires that spread to some citrus and lime farms and pack houses. The cooler autumn weather in Europe, and lower supply is leading to improving lime prices, which are all good conditions for Brazilian lime exports.
According to Sérgio Negrão, CEO and co-founder of the exporter Jagrao in Brazil, they are very relieved to finally have received the much-needed rain. "Thank God, the rains have returned to Brazil and the State of São Paulo. The limes need 15 days of rain." During August, the wildfires spread from sugar cane plantations to limes and orange farms. Roads were covered in smoke, which led to many accidents. A record amount of fires were reported in the state, with over 1,649 fire outbreaks recorded, more than double the number reported in the same period in 2023.
The latest lime export figures from Brazil up to week 41 (7-13 October) shows a slight decline in the number of containers that leave Brazil per week for Europe.
Negrão says now that they have had some good rain, the limes can gain good sizes again, just in time to provide enough supply to the European market where prices are increasing again. "Limes have set a record price here in Brazil. In Europe, prices are low, but since the volume of exports has fallen, prices have already started to improve this week and next week and the following weeks, prices should reach very high levels in Europe," he concludes.
For more information:
Sérgio Negrão
Jagrao
Tel: +55 169 960 99462
Email: [email protected]
www.jagraobrazil.com