Brazilian representatives were out in force at this year’s Fruit Logistica after racking up millions of dollars worth of business last time around.
Valeska Oliveira, executive manager of the Brazilian Fruit Institute IBRAF said: “We started out in 2003 with 10 exhibitors, and this year we are participating with 47 companies.”
Last year, Brazilian companies signed contracts worth $2.4 million at the trade fair. This set the stage for follow-up business and investments totalling $65.5m - including an agreement between the federal state of Ceará and an international company planning to invest around $50m.
In addition, Brazil’s volumes of banana exports have increased by $4m and there has also been a significant increase in the pineapple exports.
Fruit exports in 2006 have already seen a seven per cent increase in revenues to $472.5m In addition to tropical fruits, Brazil presented a new line of northern blueberries at this year’s event.
