Brazil expands global leadership in fruit exports and targets Asia for growth

Brazil has consolidated its position as one of the world’s leading fruit producers, ranking third globally behind only China and India. Over the past ten years, the country has recorded significant growth in exports, with a 38% increase in value and a 62% rise in volume, reflecting gains in quality, productivity, and supply chain organization. In 2025, Brazil reached a record of approximately US$ 1.5 billion in fruit exports, with a trade surplus close to US$ 400 million.

Sector structuring

According to Eduardo Brandão, executive director of the Brazilian Association of Fruit Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas), this progress is directly linked to the sector’s structuring, beginning in 2013 and 2014, when the association’s creation boosted production organization and international promotion of Brazilian fruits. Since then, the segment has achieved consecutive records, generating relevant socioeconomic impacts across several producing regions and accounting for about 16% of the workforce in Brazil’s agribusiness sector.

Main products

Among the main exported products are mangoes, grapes, lemons, melons, watermelons, and papayas. Mango leads in value, while lemons and melons stand out in volume. In recent years, however, non-traditional fruits have been gaining ground, such as avocado (Hass avocado), which has become one of the “stars” of the international market. Driven by global demand for healthy foods—especially after the pandemic—the product has entered the top 10 of Brazil’s exported fruits and shows strong growth potential.

The chart below shows the historical trend in Brazil’s fresh melon exports (HS code 0807.19.00) since January 2023. The data was obtained and processed by Datamar.

Melon Exports | Jan 2023-Feb 2026 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Strong domestic market

Despite a strong export performance, Brazil still maintains a robust domestic market, which requires imports of fruits not produced on a large scale in the country, such as pears, peaches, and plums. Even so, the trade balance remains positive, highlighting the competitiveness of domestic production. This advantage is mainly attributed to the quality of Brazilian fruits and their adaptability to international market requirements.

Focus on Asia

Europe remains the main destination for exports, absorbing around 60% of the fruit shipped abroad. However, the sector is seeking to diversify its markets, with a strategic focus on Asia, which is expected to be the largest consumer hub for tropical fruits by 2030. Countries such as India and China have gained relevance, with recent market openings for Brazilian products, including lemons, apples, and avocados. Participation in international trade fairs and promotional initiatives, in partnership with ApexBrasil, has been key to expanding presence in these markets.

Ready to eat

Another central challenge for the sector is logistics. Most exports (around 90%) are carried out by sea in refrigerated containers, while more sensitive, higher-value-added fruits are shipped by air. Ensuring that products reach the final consumer in ideal conditions—the so-called “ready to eat”—requires rigorous planning and constant adaptation, taking into account the specific preferences of each market.

Production capacity

In addition, Brazil stands out for its ability to produce fruit year-round, supported by diverse climate and soil conditions. This provides a competitive advantage over other countries, especially during off-season periods in the Northern Hemisphere. Combined with investments in quality, international promotion, and market expansion, Brazil’s fruit sector is expected to continue growing, reinforcing its strategic role in the economy and regional development.

Source: SNA with information from ABRAFRUTAS

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