A delegation from Abrafrutas recently visited the Port of Sines in Portugal. Discussions centered on establishing a commercial agreement to position Sines as a primary entry point for Brazilian fruit into Europe. Pedro do Ó Ramos, president of the Administration of the Ports of Sines and Algarve (APS), expressed significant interest from the port's side, stating, "There is total interest." He highlighted the port's capabilities, emphasizing efficient logistics and digital infrastructure.
Guilherme Coelho, president of Abrafrutas, underscored the necessity for a direct shipping route from Brazil's Northeast, a major fruit-exporting region, to Sines. He remarked on the importance of bypassing current routes that direct shipments to Rotterdam first. "It makes no sense for the fruit to go to Rotterdam and back," he stated.
Currently, Abrafrutas' members handle 80% of Brazil's fruit exports, comprising around 1.2 million tons. Key exports include papaya, melon, mango, and grapes, primarily destined for the EU and the UK. Coelho remarked on the existing preference for Brazilian fruits in Europe and expressed aspirations to enhance distribution efficiency across the continent. "We need Portugal to be the gateway," he noted.
Pedro do Ó Ramos sees this potential agreement as bolstering connections to Brazilian agribusiness. "One of the focuses of the Port of Sines is agribusiness," he stated, highlighting existing ties with Brazil. He emphasized that while crude oil arrives in large volumes, there is ample room for growth in the agricultural sector, particularly in containerized cargo.
A dialogue is planned between the Abrafrutas leadership and Brazilian Minister Silvio Costa Filho, with the Sines agreement a focal point. Additionally, ports in the Brazilian Northeast, such as Suape, Pecém, and the Port of Salvador, have shown potential interest.
Alongside the port visit, an event at the Brazilian Ambassador's residence in Lisbon aimed to strengthen economic ties between Brazil and Portugal. Ambassador Raimundo Carreiro emphasized leveraging historical and diplomatic connections to position Portugal as a gateway for Brazilian entrepreneurs and agricultural products aspiring to enter the European market.
Source: Abrafrutas