Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
In Brazil, fresh mint ("hortelã") is commercialized as a fresh leafy herb (Mentha spp.) through large wholesale distribution channels such as CEAGESP’s Entreposto Terminal São Paulo (ETSP). CEAGESP identifies hortelã as Mentha spicata L. in its product guide and provides variety/quality and seasonality references in its Hortipedia materials. For the São Paulo wholesale market, CEAGESP reports key supplying localities as Mogi das Cruzes (SP), Biritiba Mirim (SP), and Piedade (SP), indicating a peri-urban horticulture supply base. Compliance attention is shaped by Brazil’s agropecuary border control framework (Vigiagro) and by national traceability procedures for fresh plant products aimed at pesticide-residue monitoring and control.
Market RoleDomestic consumption market with domestic production and wholesale distribution; imports are permitted but are documentation- and inspection-intensive
Domestic RoleFresh culinary herb supplied into wholesale and retail channels, including CEAGESP ETSP
SeasonalityCEAGESP provides seasonality-by-volume and seasonality-by-price references for hortelã at ETSP; month-level peaks should be verified directly in CEAGESP’s seasonality tables/charts for the most current pattern.
Specification
Primary VarietyHortelã (Mentha spicata L.)
Secondary Variety- Hortelã-pimenta (Mentha x piperita L.)
Grades- CEAGESP bunch classification: Maço A (>500 g)
- CEAGESP bunch classification: Maço B (<500 g)
Packaging- Bunched mint sold as "maço" (bunch), with weight-based class references used in CEAGESP Hortipedia
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Farm production in São Paulo supplying localities → CEAGESP ETSP wholesale trading → downstream distribution to retail/foodservice and direct retail via CEAGESP varejões
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeLand
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighPhytosanitary and import-document non-compliance can block entry of fresh plant parts (such as mint leaves) into Brazil, triggering refusal, return, or other enforcement actions under Brazil’s agropecuary border control framework (Vigiagro) and product-specific phytosanitary import requirements.Confirm Brazil’s specific phytosanitary import requirements for the exact mint product form and origin; align the shipment dossier (e.g., phytosanitary certificate, DAT/LI as applicable) and run a pre-shipment document and labeling reconciliation with the importer/broker.
Food Safety MediumTraceability and pesticide-residue control expectations can create compliance risk for fresh mint marketed in Brazil, as national procedures require traceability records for fresh plant products to support monitoring and control of pesticide residues.Implement batch-level traceability records across production, handling, transport, and commercialization consistent with INC ANVISA–MAPA requirements; validate pesticide programs against buyer/authority expectations.
Logistics MediumFresh mint is highly time- and handling-sensitive; delays or poor handling during domestic distribution into wholesale markets (e.g., São Paulo ETSP) can cause rapid quality degradation, shrink, and commercial rejection.Prioritize short lead times, disciplined handling, and rapid turnover to wholesale/retail; align packaging format (bunch/maço classes) with buyer expectations to reduce rework and damage.
FAQ
Which Brazilian localities are highlighted as key suppliers of fresh mint (hortelã) into the São Paulo wholesale market?CEAGESP’s product guide for hortelã reports that key supplying localities to the Entreposto da Capital (ETSP) include Mogi das Cruzes (SP), Biritiba Mirim (SP), and Piedade (SP).
What is the most critical documentation risk when importing fresh mint (as fresh plant parts) into Brazil?The key risk is phytosanitary and import-document non-compliance. MAPA guidance indicates fresh plant parts may enter only when accompanied by required documentation such as a phytosanitary certificate meeting Brazil’s import phytosanitary requirements, and the Vigiagro framework governs border controls and can refuse or restrict non-compliant shipments.
Does Brazil have traceability requirements relevant to fresh mint marketed for human consumption?Yes. Brazil’s joint ANVISA–MAPA framework (INC ANVISA–MAPA nº 02/2018) defines procedures for traceability along the fresh plant product supply chain to support monitoring and control of pesticide residues.