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Discover the Northeast region of Brazil and its importance in Brazilian fruit growing

Thursday June 1st, 2023

The Northeast of Brazil is known for its rich cultural diversity, stunning beaches and exotic cuisine. However, one of the most striking features of the region is its ability to grow fruit. With a favorable climate and fertile soils, the Northeast stands out as an important fruit producing center in the country, contributing significantly to the regional economy.

The region covers nine Brazilian states: Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte and Sergipe. Each state has its particularities that are more positive for one specific type of fruit. For example, Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte are known for the quality of their melons and watermelons, while Pernambuco and Bahia are known for their mangoes and table grapes. Many of the exporting producers participating in the Frutas do Brasil project — the export program of the Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruit and Derivatives (Abrafrutas), with the support from the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) — are located in the Northeast region, boosting fruit exports abroad.

Climate and soil exert a significant influence on fruit growing. The Northeast is characterized by a tropical climate, with high temperatures, lots of sunshine and a well-defined rainy season, which allows for the cultivation and production of a wide variety of native and exotic fruits practically all year round. The combination of this favorable climatic condition with several types of soil ensures high productivity of the most consumed fruit species in Brazil and in the world, improving the competitiveness of producers.

Among the region’s typical fruits, true gems of Brazilian cuisine stand out. Such as cashew, for example, which is a versatile and tasty fruit, that can be appreciated raw and also be used in the production of juices, desserts and even in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, such as the famous cashew cachaça. Mango, another fruit produced in the Northeast, is known for its sweetness and juiciness, and is consumed raw, in juices, ice cream and desserts.

Besides the fruits we already mentioned, the region is also rich in other typical species that delight the palate of northeasterners and tourists, such as passion fruit, pineapple, acerola, pitanga, cajá-mango, soursop, among others. Each of them has unique characteristics, bringing unique flavors and aromas to the regional northeastern cuisine.

Regarding fruit production, the Northeast appears as one of the main producing regions in the country. Particularly noteworthy as the most produced fruits in the region are melons, bananas, pineapples, grapes and mangoes. Production takes place on a large scale and demand is significant both in the domestic and foreign markets. The comprehensive production schedule is of great interest to wholesalers and importers.

The fruit export from the Northeast has grown in recent years, driven by the search for healthier food by consumers around the world. Producers have invested in modern cultivation, processing and packaging techniques, guaranteeing the quality and competitiveness of their products, in addition, obviously, to producing sustainably in terms of environmental and social aspects.

Recent data from Abrafrutas show that the region exported more than 390,000 tons of fruit abroad last year, significantly contributing to the Brazilian trade balance. Pernambuco has established itself as the largest fruit exporter in the country. In 2021 alone, the state recorded revenue of U$D 244 million from sales abroad. The largest volume of this production came from the town of Petrolina, located in the São Francisco Valley region, 712 kilometers from Recife, where grapes, guavas and mangoes mainly grow. Juazeiro is also a reference producing region in the State of Bahia.

About Frutas do Brasil

Abrafrutas (Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Derivatives), in partnership with ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), develops a project to support Brazilian exporters in their quest to expand their business; opening new markets; recognition and differentiation of Brazilian fruits; increase the healthy habit of consuming tasty and superior quality fruits. Since the project started in 2014, Frutas do Brasil aims to show that Brazil is a provider of quality fruits produced in a sustainable way.

About Abrafrutas

The Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruit and Derivatives (Abrafrutas) is a non-profit association whose purpose is to represent and promote Brazilian fruit growing in the international market. Created in 2014, Abrafrutas has approximately 70 associated fruit exporters and holds approximately 85% of the total volume of fresh fruit exported by Brazil.

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