Brazil: Fruit exports recorded an increase of more than 20% in the first four-month period of 2021

Brazilian fruit producers have seen a 21.39% increase in exports volume and a 23.22% increase in value in the first four months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, as reported by the 5th Prohort Bulletin by Conab. The majority of exports were to Europe, with the Netherlands, UK, and Spain as the largest consumers. Apple sales grew by over 100%. Despite domestic demand being high, medium and large producers have found exporting profitable. However, wholesale apple prices have fallen due to increased supply, while watermelon prices have risen due to lower supply. In the first three months of 2021, 270 tonnes of live plants and floriculture products were exported, a 92% increase from the same period last year, as sanctions and high costs affected major suppliers like Kenya, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Ecuador. The domestic market experienced a drop in demand due to social isolation measures, but a resumption of business was enabled by the expansion of electronic commerce and delivery platforms.