Exporting fruit should go to US $1 bi

With immense export potential, fruit producers in Brazil must achieve international business in the order of US $1 billion this year, a high of 15% before 2018. Despite the advance, the country only sends to the external market 2.5% of the harvest, which can change with the opening of the market. "We have to open new markets, betting on a growth of up to 15% per year. In five years, it would be up to 75% increase. And doubling exports to US $2 billion in ten years ", explains the president of the Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivatives exporters (Abrafrutas), Luiz Roberto Barcelos. According to him, the 20% increase recorded between January and June of this year confirms the country's greatest interest in Brazilian production. Brazil today is the third largest fruit producer on the planet. Last year, it embarked on 878,000 tonnes of fresh fruit and processed. The main were mango, melon, pineapple, watermelon, lemon, table grape, papaya and avocado. Even so, it is only in the 23rd position in the ranking of exporting countries. With such growth potential, another demand arises on the horizon: the certification of production processes in Brazilian crops. "The certification in the fruit segment is growing strongly, because consumers want more and more food security, worldwide", analyzes the certification manager of the Brazilian service of certifications (SBC), Matheus Modolo Witzler.De Agreement With it, the market presents itself today as very promising for Brazilian companies and producers. "We have evolved well so far with avocado, melon, fig, lemon, mango, papaya and banana. They are very popular varieties, mainly by Europe and South Africa, "he says. Witzler further explains that this trade opening movement of new markets, such as the UAE and China, is also important to sustain a stronger increase in the future. As an example he quoted the melon, in which some negotiations are being made to adjust sanitary terms to begin shipments. "If we achieve something similar to what happened in the case of beef with the Asian giant, where they entered with everything, it will be spectacular for the market," evaluates the expert.