Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormRaw (In-shell or Shelled)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product (Non-wood Forest Product)
Market
Brazil nut (castanha-do-brasil/castanha-do-pará) in Brazil is a non-wood forest product harvested largely from wild stands across the Amazon and supplied to both domestic and export markets. Brazil is a major global supplier, especially of in-shell Brazil nuts, while more value-added shelled-nut exports are more concentrated in neighboring producer countries. Production is predominantly extractivist and seasonal, with collection during the rainy period (generally December–April in most Amazon states; March–September in Roraima). Post-harvest handling and rapid drying are critical because warm, humid conditions can drive fungal growth and aflatoxin contamination, which can trigger export restrictions and rejections in strict markets.
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter (notably in-shell Brazil nuts)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market alongside export supply
SeasonalitySeasonal collection concentrated in the rainy season; timing differs across Amazon states, with Roraima later and longer than most.
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin contamination is a critical market-access risk for Brazil nuts from Brazil because the rainy-season collection environment and post-harvest handling can favor toxigenic fungi; strict maximum levels in Brazil and key export markets (e.g., the EU) can lead to rejection, recalls, or export restrictions.Implement rapid post-fall collection, controlled drying and storage, GMP/HACCP in processing, and routine lot testing against destination-market aflatoxin limits before shipment.
Logistics MediumRemote Amazon sourcing and rainy-season collection increase delay risk and handling breaks (especially moisture exposure) before nuts reach drying and processing sites, elevating quality loss and food-safety exposure.Pre-position drying capacity and collection logistics for peak months; shorten time nuts remain in humid forest conditions; use moisture-protective handling through inland transport.
Climate MediumProduction can be irregular due to climatic variability and changes in water regimes across the Amazon, contributing to supply volatility and procurement risk.Diversify sourcing across producing states/microregions and maintain flexible contracting and inventory buffers around the rainy-season supply window.
Sustainability MediumDeforestation and expansion of other agricultural activities threaten long-term Brazil nut extraction by reducing intact forest areas and degrading the ecosystems on which the species and harvesting depend.Source from verified community/managed forest areas, support community governance and conservation incentives, and monitor land-use change in sourcing zones.
Regulatory Compliance MediumExporters must manage evolving contaminant rules (e.g., EU maximum levels for aflatoxins) and demonstrate compliance through appropriate controls and documentation; failure can trigger intensified border controls or trade disruption.Maintain a destination-specific compliance matrix (Brazil + target markets), update specifications when regulations change, and retain auditable test and traceability records per lot.
Sustainability- Amazon forest loss and land-use change can reduce future extraction potential; research on traditional harvesting communities identifies agricultural expansion and native forest felling as key threats to continued Brazil nut extraction.
- Climate and water-regime variability in the Amazon can drive irregular yields and volatility in supply.
Labor & Social- High reliance on manual harvest by traditional forest communities (extractivists); buyer due diligence often needs to address safe collection practices, fair purchasing, and risks associated with informal intermediation in remote areas.
FAQ
When is the Brazil nut harvest season in Brazil?In most Amazon states, the Brazil nut season typically starts in December or January after fruit fall and runs through April. In Roraima, the collection period is later and longer, typically from March to September, due to different meteorological conditions.
What is the biggest trade-blocking risk for raw Brazil nuts from Brazil?Aflatoxin contamination is the most critical risk because warm, humid collection conditions and handling delays can favor toxigenic fungi. Strict maximum limits in Brazil and key export markets such as the EU mean non-compliant lots can be rejected or restricted.
Why does post-harvest drying matter so much for Brazil nuts in Brazil?Because fruits and nuts can remain in contact with wet soil for extended periods during the rainy season, which increases microbial and fungal growth risk. Embrapa guidance emphasizes rapid collection after fruit fall and controlled drying/storage to preserve quality and reduce aflatoxin risk.