São Paulo – This Thursday (17th), the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply that fruit production in Brazil has grown by 19% from 2001 to 2009. The data were supplied by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Annual consumption has also increased during the period, from 113 to 125 kilograms per person.
Gustavo Firmo, a technician at the general coordination office for Livestock and Permanent Cultures at the Ministry of Agriculture, claimed that the growth in production was boosted by increased crop productivity and yield, according to a statement issued by the ministry. He highlighted investment in technology by growers.
In the case of consumption, the ministry informs that the prices of fruit have generally grown at much lower rates than those of food and beverages. To Firmo, consumer access to products at reasonable prices benefits for the entire chain of production.
Imports of fruits have grown as well, at rates even higher than exports, which according to Firmo is a sign of increased demand on the Brazilian market.
Last year, according to the ministry, foreign sales of fresh fruit grew by 8.85% compared with 2009 and reached US$ 610.7 million, whereas imports rose by 28.5% and reached US$ 367.9 million.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
