Brazilian lime production has yet to reach its full potential. However, producers are seeing a significant improvement over 2024 as the decrease in rainfall has led to higher yields and better quality.
"The quality is good and we've had no problems this year," stated Alex Santos Tenório of Frutos Tropicales, a company with offices in Brazil, Peru, and the Netherlands. "There are fewer rains now, which means we have more production," he added. Brazilian lime production peaks in October, November, and January, but shipments are already gradually increasing.
The Netherlands is an important sales market. It's currently paying 5.50 euros per box of limes, and the price continues to rise. "The price is going up because there is less supply. We expect this trend will continue in the coming weeks," Alex says.
However, there are also logistical challenges. "Logistics cost to send the product from our packaging warehouse to the Netherlands can reach $11,000, without including the value of the fruit," Alex stated. These costs include packaging, land and sea transport, accounting for an important part of the product's final price at destination.
Brazil competes primarily with Mexico in the European market, but there are other suppliers as well. Nevertheless, global demand for limes continues to grow, especially since the coronavirus pandemic. "Vitamin C has become a key factor for many consumers," he said.
"It's not enough to guarantee quality. We must also apply strict labor standards and ensure rigorous process compliance. This is the foundation of our commitment," he stressed.
Frutos Tropicales plans to expand its own production in Brazil and is investing in new technologies to optimize post-harvest processes.
For more information:
Alex Santos Tenório
Frutos Tropicales
Tel: +55 87 988 670 709
Email: [email protected]
www.frutostropicales.com