São Paulo – Brazilian fruit exports to Arab countries were up 41% in 2013 from 2012 to 13,790 tonnes. Revenues reached US$ 11.89 million, up 54%. The information was supplied by the Brazilian Fruit Institute (Ibraf, in the Portuguese acronym).
“The Arab market is very interesting and important to us. It is growing solidly each year,” said Ibraf Commercial Intelligence manager Cloves Ribeiro Neto. “It is a highly strategic market to our industry, because the bulk of our exports – 80% – go to the European Union, and we are working on building other markets,” the executive added.
Aside from the increase in 2013 from 2012, Ribeiro highlighted the increase in exports to Arabs from 2011 to 2013. “Exports to Arab countries increased by 115%. This is a significant rate, and we will keep working to consolidate our growth,” the Ibraf manager said.
The United Arab Emirates were the leading Arab export target for Brazilian fruit last year, at 10,910 tonnes. Sales also targeted other Arab countries, such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Bahrain, Sudan, Qatar, Palestine and Lebanon.
The main fruits imported by Arab countries include lemons (8,200 tonnes), apples, melons, oranges, tangerines, grapes, mangoes and watermelons.
In order to boost sales to the Arab world, the Ibraf attends the Gulfood fair in Dubai every year, sends prospecting missions to the region, and is considering developing new commercial promotion action.
“We are looking into implementing actions at points of sale, including tastings, so consumers can become familiar with the flavour of Brazilian fruit,” said Ribeiro. The manager also said the Ibraf is considering taking part in another fair in the Emirates.
The manager said sales can increase even further. “Good figures notwithstanding, the Arab market still buys very little Brazilian product. They are a new market for us, and there is much room for growth,” he said.
Worldwide
In 2013, Brazil 711,860 tonnes of fruit were exported from Brazil, up 2.72% from 2012. Export revenues amounted to US$ 657.52 million, up 6.26%.
“In the last two years, export volumes increased. A 2.72% rate is a low, but positive rate,” said Ribeiro.
According to him, the favourable exchange rate and good weather have contributed to the increase in fruit exports from Brazil. In 2014, Ribeiro expects growth, but believes the volume shipped will be similar to that of 2013.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum