The City Hall of Fraiburgo, in Brazil, is set to officially inaugurate the 2024/2025 apple harvest on January 31st at the Renar Hotel, underscoring the city's status as the "Land of Apples". This year, the Brazilian Association of Apple Producers (ABPM) anticipates a harvest of 915,000 tons, marking a 10% increase from the previous cycle. The current harvest is distinguished by its superior quality, with fruits showcasing larger sizes, vibrant colors, and ideal post-harvest conservation traits, potentially enhancing fresh fruit supply by 20% over 2024.
Apple cultivation plays a crucial role in Brazil's economy, creating numerous jobs and fostering tourism in regions known for apple production. The ABPM's president, Francisco Schio, notes the high expectations for this cycle, emphasizing the apple sector's contribution to the economy and job market. The event in Fraiburgo not only celebrates the harvest but also highlights the apple's economic significance to the city, as stated by Mayor Wilson Ribeiro Cardoso Jr., who points out the positive impacts on the local economy and tourism.
Apples, available year-round due to advanced storage technologies, are a staple in Brazilian households, known for their nutritional and health benefits. Brazil boasts over 33 thousand hectares of orchards, with the potential to produce more than 1.35 million tons annually, and provides over 120 thousand jobs. The majority of apples consumed in Brazil are domestically produced, making it the country's third most consumed fruit.
Source: Abrafrutas