Papaya Exports from Espírito Santo Rise 26% in the First Quarter

Papaya exports from Espírito Santo showed positive performance at the beginning of 2025. The state generated US$ 7.799 million in revenue during the first quarter, a 28% increase compared to the US$ 6.093 million exported in the same period last year. In terms of volume, shipments rose from 4,412 tons to 5,573 tons, an increase of 26.30%.

Coffee Farming Growth Paves the Way for Papaya Expansion

Papaya exports from Espírito Santo benefited primarily from the expansion of coffee farming in the state, according to José Roberto Macedo Fontes, president of the Brazilian Association of Papaya Producers and Exporters (Brapex).

According to Fontes, the increased value of conilon coffee in recent years has encouraged the establishment of new plantations, and papaya cultivation has also expanded. “When you think about planting conilon coffee, you automatically introduce papaya because it’s the perfect combination. Papaya generates quick income and provides shade for the coffee plants,” Fontes explains.

The model works as follows: the producer plants papaya and first harvests the fruit in about eight months. Then, the income helps fund the coffee plantation, which takes more than two years to start yielding returns. “This strategy makes it easier to establish plantations and increases the supply of papaya on the market, further boosting exports,” he highlights.

The greater availability of fruit at the packing houses (processing and packaging centers) allowed partnerships with producers to expand and export volumes to grow. The strong international reputation of Brazilian papaya, established in the early 2000s, also contributed to the product’s acceptance abroad. “Our papaya is the preferred choice overseas. When they can’t get Brazilian papaya, only then do they look for alternatives,” says the Brapex president.

Despite the steady growth, Fontes acknowledges that logistical bottlenecks still limit a more robust expansion of exports. Since papaya is mainly transported by air, high freight costs impact the final price. “The market has accepted small price adjustments, but logistics remain a challenge, whether due to the availability of flights or high costs,” he points out.

Fontes also emphasizes the need for producers—especially those focusing primarily on coffee cultivation—to seek technical guidance when growing papaya. “Sometimes the producer plants papaya just to support coffee farming without fully understanding how to manage the papaya crop. Without proper knowledge of virus control, planting timing, and correct farming practices, they might not achieve the expected returns,” he warns.

Growth of Brazilian Papaya Exports

Brazilian papaya exports also showed significant growth in the first quarter of 2025, both in value and volume. The country exported US$17.120 million during the period, an increase of 31.04% compared to the US$13.062 million recorded in the first quarter of 2024. Export volumes rose from 10,422 tons to 13,363 tons, an advance of 28.22%.

Source: Folha Vitória

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