"Fortunately, our weather conditions allow us to produce and harvest grapes throughout the 52 weeks of the year, supplying both the national market and destinations such as Europe and the United States," stated Nelson Filho, Ibacem's representative.
"We export almost the same volume as we devote to the domestic market, taking advantage of the most favorable commercial windows. Europe mainly imports Brazilian grapes between September and November, and the United States between November and February. We expect a good production this year, as the weather has been more favorable and there have been fewer heavy rains than in the past," Filho stated.
"The price of a 5 kg box of grapes in Brazil stands at around 75 reais (approximately 12 euros), while a box of mangoes in Europe currently costs between 6.5 and 7 euros per box." Sometimes, the local market pays better than the foreign market, which reflects a growing appreciation of these fruits in Brazil, Filho stressed.
Mango consumption has shown sustained growth, especially in Europe, where ripening at destination has improved the consumer experience. "Mangoes are increasingly more well-known in the northern hemisphere, and this opens up new opportunities for us," he stated. Ibacem's most marketed varieties include Tommy Atkins and Keitt, although it also exports Palmer, Kent, and Osteen mangoes.
"In the U.S. market, Brazilian mangoes mainly face competition from Mexico, restricting Brazil's exports to that destination between August and November. In Europe, the main competition comes from southern Spain, especially between August and September, and Peru between December and February; however, low rainfall in Andalusia has reduced Spanish production, opening an opportunity for Brazil. In addition, African countries such as the Ivory Coast, Mali, and Ghana also compete in Europe in certain windows, forcing Brazilian exporters to be strategic with their shipping times and product quality," he stated.
There are still challenges. The company faces logistical problems, especially with the availability and punctuality of ships in the north of the country. "We expect shipping companies to offer more services in our region," says Filho. He also highlighted the increase in labor costs and inputs such as packaging.
"This year, two new mango fields planted in 2021 and 2022 will enter production. We also expanded our grape area with a new plantation that will enter production in 2026. In addition, Brazil recently obtained approval to export grapes to China, representing an opportunity for market diversification," Filho concluded.
For more information:
Nelson Filho
Ibacem
Tel: +55 87 38664190 / +55 87 981701020
Email: [email protected]
www.ibacem.com.br