| Written by Constance Stickler
Brazil is one of the world's leading fruit exporters, supplying markets in Europe, the USA, and Asia. The country's diverse climate allows for a year-round production of a variety of products, from tropical delicacies such as mangoes, papayas, and bananas to apples and grapes in temperate climates. The fruit sector plays a crucial role in the country's agricultural economy, creating jobs and attracting investment.
Europe remains the largest destination for Brazilian fruit exports, with countries like the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Spain leading the list. Demand for high-quality and sustainably grown goods is growing, motivating producers and exporters to adopt advanced cultivation methods and logistics solutions. A reliable cold chain is essential for meeting the strict quality and safety requirements of European importers.
The journey from Brazilian orchards to European markets is long, spanning thousands of kilometres and several weeks. Continuous refrigeration is essential to ensure fruit quality; without proper temperature control, fluctuating conditions can accelerate ripening, lead to spoilage, or result in microbial contamination. This would result in financial losses and reputational damage.
To minimise these risks, strict protocols must be followed. These include pre-cooling on the farms, refrigerated transport to ports, and storage in controlled environments throughout the entire transport process. Since temperature, hygiene, and plant protection standards must be maintained at all times, quality assurance is a fundamental aspect of the export process. Investments in reliable cold chain logistics not only preserve the freshness of the fruit but also strengthen Brazil's position as a trusted supplier in the global market.
The Fruits of Brazil
Key exported fruits
A variety of tropical and subtropical fruits are valued worldwide. The most exported fruit from Brazil is the mango (especially the Palmer and Tommy Atkins varieties), which in 2024 reached 258,305 tons with a value of USD 349,875. (1) Citrus fruits, several types of melons, papayas (type Golden), grapes, avocados, and bananas (type Cavendish) also make their journey across the oceans. Less well-known but increasingly popular export goods include guavas, persimmons, pomelos and mangosteens.
The diversity of exports and the year-round availability of many types of fruit reflect the country's agricultural wealth and make it a popular supplier to European supermarkets.
Major fruit-producing regions
Fruit-growing areas are concentrated in several key regions, each specialising in different varieties depending on their climate and soil conditions.
The São Francisco Valley, for example, which extends across parts of the states of Bahia and Pernambuco in the east of the country, is one of the most important fruit-growing areas, particularly for mangoes, grapes, and melons. The region benefits from an irrigation system fed by the São Francisco River, which enables consistent production even under semi-arid conditions.
The northeastern states, including Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, are important producers of melons and limes thanks to their dry climate and advanced irrigation infrastructure. The tropical southeast, particularly São Paulo and Minas Gerais, plays a crucial role in banana and citrus cultivation, as its mild temperatures and fertile soils provide optimal conditions.
The main papaya-growing regions are in Espírito Santo and Bahia, where warm temperatures and well-drained soils create ideal conditions. While not a major exporter, the Amazon region contributes unique native fruits such as açaí and cupuaçu, which are internationally recognised for their nutritional value.
Which Ports Keep Brazil's Fruit Exports Moving?
Overview of the most important ports for fruit exports
The most important ports on the country's extensive coastline include the Port of Santos in São Paulo, the Port of Pecém in Ceará, and the Port of Suape in Pernambuco.
The Port of Santos is the largest in Latin America and an important transhipment point, particularly for bananas, limes, and mangoes. The Port of Pecém in northeastern Brazil specialises in handling refrigerated cargo and is, therefore, essential for the export of melons and mangoes. Also located in the northeast of the country, the Port of Suape is another crucial gateway for fresh produce from all over the world.
Other, somewhat smaller ports such as Natal and Fortaleza also contribute to exporting these sweet agricultural products. They are often strategically located near large melon and mango farms, which shortens transport times and ensures fresher deliveries.
Infrastructure for reefer containers and cold chain logistics
The impact of strict European regulations extends as far as Brazil, with more and more ports relying on automated logistics systems and real-time monitoring of temperature and other parameters in refrigerated containers. Gone are the days when manually monitoring every few hours was sufficient to meet the food safety standards required by the EU.
From pre-cooling the cargo before loading to continuous tracking of conditions inside the reefers to improved handling procedures, including faster customs clearance, many levers can be set in motion to accelerate the export process and maintain optimal fruit quality.
Cold Chain Logistics: Ensuring Freshness
Steps in the cold chain from farm to European markets
The journey of Brazilian fruit from tree, bush, and field to the tables of European consumers requires precise temperature management at every stage. The cold chain begins with the producer, so the harvested fruit is cooled as quickly as possible to slow the ripening process and preserve freshness. Depending on the fruit variety, methods such as hydrocooling or forced-air cooling are used.
Once the fruit is chilled, it is transported in refrigerated trucks to packing facilities near major production centres. There, it is sorted, classified, and packaged according to export standards. Strict temperature control is already in place here to ensure the fruit remains in optimal condition before shipment. From there, it travels in refrigerated containers to the export ports.
At the port, the fruit is temporarily stored in temperature-controlled warehouses or in the reefer yard or immediately loaded onto container ships. In all three cases, the temperature and other vital parameters, such as humidity, CO2, etc., are monitored – as is the case throughout the entire sea voyage, which can take three or more weeks.
Once it arrives in Europe, the cargo undergoes customs clearance and quality checks before being distributed to wholesalers and later supermarkets. The cold chain must function seamlessly throughout all these steps, as even brief temperature fluctuations can shorten shelf life.
Temperature Control, Packaging, and Handling
Maintaining the correct temperature is the backbone of the cold chain. Each fruit variety has specific storage and shipping temperature requirements: Mangoes are stored at 10–13°C, papayas at 7–10°C, melons at 3–10°C (depending on the variety), and limes at 8–10°C. Deviations outside these ranges can lead to premature ripening, cold damage, or fungal infestation, thus impairing the marketability of the fruit.
Modern refrigerated containers are equipped with humidity and airflow controls to ensure optimal storage conditions. In some cases, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is also used to regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, thus further extending shelf life. Proper packaging is crucial for protecting the fruit from mechanical damage and contamination (learn more about automated reefer monitoring).
Challenges and Best Practices
Despite the technological advances of recent years and decades, challenges remain: A major problem is temperature fluctuations during transport and handling, which can arise from poor insulation, delays in customs clearance, or improper handling during transhipment. Furthermore, energy costs have recently increased virtually worldwide—and reefers consume a lot of energy—which impacts overall logistics costs. Infrastructure gaps, especially in rural areas, also make it difficult to maintain the constant refrigeration conditions the fruit needs to stay fresh and crisp.
To overcome these difficulties, exporters and logistics service providers have implemented best practices. Pre-cooling at the point of origin is now standard practice virtually everywhere. Automated monitoring solutions track conditions inside the refrigerated reefer in real time and around the clock. Remote monitoring enables alerts and alarms to be sent at predefined thresholds, enabling timely intervention and preventing spoilage of goods. Another important aspect is improving port efficiency. Accelerated handling of perishable goods minimises temperature stress.
Numbers That Matter: Export Figures and Trade Volumes
Europe is the largest buyer of fruit from Brazil:
Regulatory Landscape & Market Standards
European Import Requirements for Fruit Quality and Safety
Anyone wishing to export to Europe must comply with strict regulations to ensure food safety, quality, and sustainability. The European Union (EU) requires that all imported fruit be free from pests, contaminants, and pesticide residues above permitted limits. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) stipulate acceptable pesticide concentrations, which exporters must ensure compliance with through rigorous monitoring and laboratory testing.
There are also regulations regarding packaging, labelling, and traceability. Every shipment must be traceable from producer to consumer and contain detailed records of cultivation methods, handling, and transport conditions. GlobalG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) certification is often a prerequisite for entry into the European retail market, as it confirms sustainable cultivation methods, worker protection, and environmental responsibility.
European retailers and importers also prefer suppliers who meet voluntary quality standards such as Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certification, which emphasise ethical sourcing and sustainable agriculture.
Brazilian Regulations and Certifications for Export Compliance
To fulfil international market demands, Brazil has established a comprehensive regulatory framework. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) monitors compliance with food safety, phytosanitary, and quality standards and ensures that all exported fruit meets the expectations of global buyers.
One of the most important requirements is compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), as mentioned above, which include responsible use of pesticides, soil and water management, and post-harvest treatment protocols.
Exporters must be able to provide MAPA plant protection certificates confirming that the fruit meets the quarantine and pest control standards of the importing country. Furthermore, the South American country has implemented Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs to reduce the use of chemical treatments and thus comply with strict European pesticide regulations.
Additional certification systems such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) are widely used in Brazilian packing plants to ensure hygiene and food safety during processing and packaging. Many exporting companies are also seeking various organic certifications to meet the growing European demand for sustainably produced fruit.
The increasing global importance of sustainability is prompting Brazil to further strengthen its environmental and social responsibility measures, including the welfare of farmworkers and reducing its carbon footprint. This not only ensures compliance with regulations but also has an important impact on Brazil's reputation as a reliable, high-quality fruit supplier in the global market.
Challenges and Innovations in the Cold Chain
Common Risks in Fruit Export Logistics
Maintaining a seamless cold chain presents a logistical challenge, especially given the long distances and travel times between Brazil and European markets. The greatest risk is temperature fluctuations: if they are too high, they cause or accelerate ripening; if they are too low, cold damage can occur. Both can lead to the quality of the fruit deteriorating so much that it has to be thrown away. Food waste is a major problem; it is estimated that 20-25% of the food shipped worldwide spoils during transport and is discarded. (2)
Delays can also occur at ports, for example, due to customs clearance, port congestion, or inefficiencies in handling. Inconsistent power supplies at the container yard can also lead to problems.
Aside from the temperature issue, contamination or mechanical damage during handling, especially due to inadequate packaging or improper handling during loading and unloading, are a constant source of headaches for logistics companies. Failure to comply with strict European import regulations may result in the rejection of deliveries.
Technological Solutions for Better Tracking and Temperature Control
To minimise risks in the cold chain, there is increasing reliance on real-time tracking and automated monitoring. IoT-based sensors continuously measure temperature, humidity, and other essential parameters; if conditions deviate from the ideal range, warnings and alarms are sent. This allows reefer teams to intervene immediately and prevent the valuable goods from spoiling.
Comprehensive solutions also track the power supply and trigger alarms if it is interrupted during storage at the yard, or if it takes too long to reconnect the refrigerated container during transport, for example, from the berth to the yard or vice versa.
AI is also increasingly being used, for example, for predictive analytics. Studying historical data makes it possible to identify patterns that may precede failures.
Blockchain technology is also being integrated into supply chain transparency efforts. This gives all parties involved—exporters, transporters, and European importers—access to real-time data on shipment status, ensuring accountability at every stage. This reduces the risk of disputes and strengthens trust between trading partners.
What's Next for Brazil's Fruit Exports?
The Future of Brazil's Fruit Exports
The Brazilian fruit export industry is poised for continued growth, driven by rising global demand for fresh, high-quality produce. Some even go so far as to say that Brazil is still in its "infancy in fruit exports": Although the country is the world's third-largest fruit producer, it is not ranked among the top exporting countries. The industry is more focused on the less labour-consuming domestic market, says Marcos Jank, coordinator of the Insper Global Agro study centre, in an article in Datamar News. (3)
Exporters cite speed of delivery, a lower risk of losses, and faster cash flow as reasons. However, a lack of fruit storage facilities at ports and shipping delays of up to a week also offers room for improvement. If these problems can be eliminated, the potential would be enormous.
From the European side, there is certainly a strong conviction in Brazilian fruit: the Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) confirmed in January 2025 that the Mercosur and European Union agreement marks a significant step forward for the Brazilian fruit industry in 2025. (4) A full three-quarters of the fruit exported by Brazil goes to European Union countries. Currently, tariffs range between 4% and 14%, but under the Mercosur trade agreement, these are expected to be partially or even eliminated.
FAQ
How Do Hydrocooling and Forced-Air Cooling Support the Export of Fresh Fruits?
Hydrocooling and forced-air cooling are two widely used methods to preserve post-harvest fruit quality and extend its shelf life. The choice of technology is tailored to the specific fruit variety and offers unique advantages.
HydroCooling
In hydrocooling, fruit is immersed in chilled water or sprayed with cold water. This method quickly removes field heat from the fruit, slowing the respiration and transpiration processes that lead to spoilage. It is particularly effective for melons, for example, as they are cooled quickly without removing moisture.
Hydrocooling also removes dirt and chemical residues from the produce, which is ideal for preserving freshness and food safety. Because water has a high heat transfer efficiency, this technique is suitable for uniform cooling, even in large batches. However, to avoid contamination during the process, hygiene measures such as the use of disinfectants (e.g., chlorine or ozone) are essential.
Forced-air Cooling
In this method, fans circulate cool air through fruit stored on pallets, quickly and efficiently lowering its temperature. This method is often used for climacteric fruits such as mangoes and papayas, as it slows ethylene production and ripening while minimising weight loss.
By creating a vacuum between the pallets, cold air is forced through the boxes, resulting in even cooling. Forced-air cooling is very flexible but requires careful humidity control to prevent moisture evaporation, which could cause the fruit to dry out.
Takeaway
Brazil's fruit industry supplies European markets with a wide variety of high-quality commodities, including citrus fruits, bananas, and various melon varieties. Key production regions such as the São Francisco Valley and the northeast coast benefit from diverse climates that enable year-round cultivation. However, the journey across the Atlantic is long and requires careful cold chain management to ensure freshness and compliance with strict EU regulations.
Temperature control is essential for successful exports, while pre-cooling, refrigerated transport, and real-time monitoring also play a crucial role in preventing spoilage. Ports such as Santos, Pecém, and Suape serve as important export hubs and are largely equipped with refrigerated container infrastructure and automated logistics solutions. Despite improvements, challenges remain, including infrastructure gaps, port delays, and rising energy costs, which increase operational risks and costs.
To overcome these obstacles, the industry is increasingly turning to advanced technologies such as IoT sensors for real-time tracking, AI-powered predictive maintenance, and blockchain for transparent supply chain management. Compliance with international certifications such as GlobalG.A.P. and HACCP ensures access to European markets, while sustainability initiatives, including reduced pesticide use and fair trade practices, strengthen Brazil's reputation as a responsible supplier.
Brazil's fruit export sector has enormous growth potential, especially as the Mercosur-EU trade agreement is expected to reduce tariffs and increase competitiveness. Eliminating logistical inefficiencies and expanding cold chain infrastructure will be crucial to unlocking this potential and making Brazil an even stronger player in the global fruit market.
Delve deeper into one of our core topics: Refrigerated containers
Glossary
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), also known as Protective Atmosphere Packaging, is a technology used to extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of perishable goods. It works by altering the composition of gases within the packaging, typically reducing oxygen levels while increasing carbon dioxide or nitrogen. This slows down oxidation and microbial growth, preserving freshness and flavour. MAP is widely applied to food products such as meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and bakery items, often combined with chilling for optimal results. (5)
The terms "tropical" and "subtropical" describe climatic zones based on latitude and temperature. Tropical zones lie between 23.5°N and 23.5°S, characterised by high temperatures (averaging above 18°C annually) and abundant rainfall, supporting rainforests and diverse ecosystems. Subtropical zones, located between 23.5° and 40° in both hemispheres, experience hot summers and mild winters, with climates ranging from humid to arid. These regions are vital for agriculture, producing crops like citrus, mangoes, and avocados. (6)
References:
(1) https://abrafrutas.org/dados-estatisticos/
(2) https://www.melform.com/en/insights/reducing-food-waste/
(3) https://www.datamarnews.com/noticias/why-brazil-is-still-in-its-infancy-in-fruit-exports/
(4) https://www.freshfruitportal.com/news/2025/01/27/mercosur-expected-to-benefit-the-brazilian-fruit-industry-on-2025/
(5) Dong Sun Lee (2024): Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Foods. Wiley-VCH.
(6) Ritter, M.E. (2012): The Physical Environment: An Introduction to Physical Geography. LibreTexts Publishing.
Author
Conny Stickler, Marketing Manager Logistics
Constance Stickler holds a master's degree in political science, German language and history. She spent most of her professional career as a project and marketing manager in different industries. Her passion is usability, and she's captivated by the potential of today's digital tools. They seem to unlock endless possibilities, each one more intriguing than the last. Constance writes about automation, sustainability and safety in maritime logistics.
