Brazilian fruit exporters face tougher buyer requirements

Brazilian fruit exporters are seeing international buyers place more emphasis on traceability, sustainability, food safety and logistics, according to the Brazilian Association of Fruit Producers and Exporters, Abrafrutas.

Buyer expectations

For exporters, producing good-quality fruit is no longer enough on its own. Buyers increasingly want information on where the product comes from, how it was produced and whether suppliers can maintain consistent volumes throughout the season.

European customers are among those driving the change. Tainá Morato, logistics coordinator at Brazilian exporter Don Vicente, told Abrafrutas that suppliers are dealing with stricter requirements covering areas from packaging sustainability to phytosanitary documentation.

The company currently sells mainly into Europe and the UK and has also shipped to Canada. At the same time, Brazilian exporters are looking further afield, with Asian markets among the opportunities being explored.

Fruit Attraction

Abrafrutas president Waldyr Promicia said understanding changing buyer expectations will be important if Brazil wants to expand its position in international fruit trade.

Fruit Attraction, taking place in Madrid from 6 to 8 October, will also be used by Abrafrutas and its Frutas do Brasil export programme to gather information from producers on target markets and the requirements they face overseas.

source and photo: abrafrutas.org