Lychee production in Brazil remains highly concentrated in subtropical regions

In Brazil, lychee production is tightly concentrated in subtropical areas, creating a short and highly seasonal supply that peaks at the end of the year. Despite being a tropical fruit, lychee cultivation depends on specific climate conditions, which limits large-scale production to a small number of states and reinforces its strong association with Christmas and New Year celebrations.

National output is dominated by São Paulo and Minas Gerais, which together account for more than 80% of Brazil’s lychee production. When combined with Paraná, these three states represent over 95% of the country’s harvest. According to the 2017 IBGE Agricultural Census, Brazil had 780 hectares planted with lychee, with São Paulo alone responsible for 54.7% of national production. Minas Gerais contributes 26.5%, while Paraná accounts for 13.9%, producing around 1,800 tonnes in 2022.

Lychee availability is limited to a short window, with peak supply typically running from November to February, and the highest volumes arriving in December. This narrow harvest period explains the fruit’s strong seasonal identity in Brazil’s retail market and festive consumption patterns.

The geographic concentration is driven by the crop’s biological requirements. Lychee trees need warm temperatures and rainfall during fruit development, but also require a dry, cool winter to induce flowering. These conditions are found mainly in Brazil’s South and Southeast, where milder winters support consistent flowering and fruit set.

Producers face ongoing challenges linked to this tight production cycle. A compressed harvest window can temporarily saturate the market, leading to price volatility. Winter management is also critical, as growers must carefully balance cold exposure and controlled water stress to ensure successful flowering.

Despite its regional importance, national production monitoring remains limited. Since the 2017 IBGE census, no updated nationwide production figures in tonnes have been released, making it difficult to assess recent growth trends or shifts within Brazil’s lychee sector.

source: abrafrutas.org

photo: brazilnieminens.wordpress.com