New trade association Brazil Fresh Produce (BFP) has set up headquarters in São Paulo as it looks to boost the country’s presence on the international fruit market.
Currently fresh fruit represents a small contingent of Brazil’s agribusiness exports and, under the strapline ‘Brazil a Place of Growth’, the association intends to improve this through unified working.
BFP members have met twice since the association’s official launch at Fruit Logistica in February and there are still aspects of the association in discussion, such as classification of members and contribution importance.
The new group is a direct response to the Brazilian industry being dissatisfied with IBRAF’s management of financial support provided by the government and represents 50 per cent of the Brazilian fruit and vegetable sector.
BFP president Luiz Roberto Barcelos of Brazilian melon producer Agrícola Famosa told freshinfo: “The association is not formalised yet because a portion of the members are apple producers and since the apple’s season starts in the end of February, those members have been dedicating their time to the commercialisation of their season.
“BFP’s main objective is to strengthen the exports of Brazilian fresh fruits, gathering most producers from several varieties. In the meantime, we already have producers and exporters of melons, papayas, bananas, limes, apples and grapes as members of the association. The intention of the association is to show the importers the seriousness and professionalism of Brazilian fresh fruit producers.
“England is the main market for many fruits produced in Brazil, especially the melon which is the most exported fresh fruit. BFP is willing to further consolidate this market that is very specific in regards to quality and certifications, but is also the most stable market and the one that better rewards the producer and exporter.”
The main market for Brazilian fresh fruits is the EU, which BFP intends to target further, as well as Asian, North American and eastern European markets.
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