Friday October 24th, 2025

Brazil’s logistics sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by significant government investments and technological advancements. To meet the growing international demand for Brazilian fruits, companies are adapting their processes to ensure faster and higher-quality deliveries. One such company that has significantly transformed its operations in recent years is Hevile Logística, a Brazilian firm specializing in the transportation of perishable goods.

Frutas do Brasil, the internationalization project of the Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivatives Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas), in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), spoke with Vinicius Wanderley, Executive Director of the company, to understand the logistical processes and the challenges involved in delivering fresh fruit across the globe.

According to Vinicius Wanderley, the company’s logistics process begins at the price quoting stage, when the client specifies the fruit type, origin, and destination. From there, Hevile evaluates the most suitable transport option — air or sea — taking into account transit time, cost, optimal temperature conditions, and the product’s shelf life. Once the proposal is approved, the operation extends from collection at farms or packing houses to the final delivery abroad, including temperature control, documentation, customs clearance, and door-to-door tracking. “By operating in an integrated manner, we ensure that fruit harvested in the field reaches its destination with the freshness and quality standards demanded by international markets,” states the executive.

The company also employs continuous monitoring systems, digital temperature logs, and integrated documentation to track every stage of the shipment in real time. Additionally, Hevile is certified as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), an international recognition that reinforces its commitment to security and compliance throughout the entire logistics chain.

Wanderley also notes that the company’s proprietary system centralizes all logistical, documentary, and commercial information, helping to automate processes and streamline communication with clients.

From Brazil to the World

The main destinations for Brazilian fruits handled by Hevile are concentrated in Europe — including Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Portugal — as well as the Middle East and Asia, with a focus on South Korea. However, as in any sector, there remains considerable room for improvement. The executive explains that transporting perishable goods requires precise logistics, and factors such as port congestion, air freight constraints, and weather-related issues can directly affect operations. “Our role is precisely to balance these factors and ensure the integrity and quality of the cargo,” he explains.

While each market has its own requirements, ranging from phytosanitary and packaging standards to specific logistical timelines, in Europe, traceability is essential. The executive explains that in the United States, for example, certain fruits require hydrothermal treatment, whereas in Asia, the visual standard and aesthetic quality of the packaging can be decisive for the product’s success.

“On our recent trip to China with Abrafrutas, we observed firsthand that the packaging standard for that destination is distinctive — often resembling gift packaging, with a focus on aesthetics and perceived value,” he said.

Key Allies in Exports

Hevile is also leveraging artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimize its processes. Tools for automatic document reading, transport monitoring, and logistics performance analysis, combined with the automation of internal systems, increase operational accuracy.

The executive notes that the company is developing a new version of its proprietary logistics system, which will integrate operational, financial, and commercial data onto a single platform. “We continuously monitor industry innovations and seek to incorporate new technologies that add value for our clients,” he adds.

Brazil’s Export Market

Preliminary data from Abrafrutas show that Brazil exported around 700,000 tons of fruit in the first eight months of the year, generating US$762.5 million in revenue. Limes lead the ranking with more than 149,000 tons shipped abroad (data as of October 9).