Insight on Brazilian beans and pulses

The largest Brazilian exporter of beans and pulses has reported the current scenario in Brazil as of December 2020.

- Domestic varieties
Despite producing 16 varieties of beans and pulses, Brazilian consumers have a preference for three main varieties of beans- carioca with 61%, cowpea 19% and black haricot 18%:
1. Carioca common bean
The first crop is at the harvest stage right now, however it will not be enough to replenish regulatory stocks. Surplus for exports will be only available in the second crop from March onwards;
2. Black Haricot common bean
Following the same trend above, this variety is dealing with the additional impact of a lower yield during this first crop caused by longer drought. If any surplus available for exports this season, it will no be seen before March;
3. Cowpea
The main crop is grown in the northeast region of the country and it is totally aimed at the domestic markets.

- Export varieties
All export varieties are grown in June in the midwest of Brazil, mainly in the state of Mato Grosso.
1. Cowpea
A different cultivar is produced in that region and 60% of it is aimed at the export markets. Business approach should be done in the month of April towards exports between June and August. Prices are only negotiated closer to the harvest stage. As a price reference, the international market is currently trading cowpea at around US$ 970/ton FOB;
2. Mungo
Over 90% of the production is aimed at the export markets. Same as the other varieties produced in the state of Mato Grosso, approach should be done in the month of April towards exports between June and August. Prices are only negotiated closer to the harvest stage. As a price reference, the international market is currently trading mungo at around US$ 1,100/ton FOB;
3. Adzuki
Over 95% of the production is aimed at the export markets. Approach should be done in the month of April towards exports between June and August. Prices are only negotiated closer to the harvest stage. As a price reference, the international market is currently trading mungo at around US$ 1,300/ton FOB