SAO PAULO: The production and export of fresh fruits and vegetables at the APAS fair, in Brazil, one of the most important events for the agro-food sector in the American continent, whose 31st edition will take place from 4 to 7 May in São Paulo.
The group of Spanish companies will have an area of 90 square metres, suitable for 9 companies in the fruit and vegetables sector, and there will also be a common institutional area, which will also be devoted to promoting the international fruit and vegetables fair FRUIT ATTRACTION, to be held in Madrid for the seventh time from 28 to 30 October 2015.
The participation of Spanish horticultural companies at APAS responds to the sector’s interest in opening new markets, especially in Brazil, the main destination of Spanish fresh fruit and vegetable exports to countries outside Europe, with shipments worth 70.4 million Euro in 2014, 25% more than in 2013.
In terms of volume, fresh fruit and vegetable exports to Brazil in 2014 amounted to 88,895 tonnes, an increase of 56% compared to 2013. The main fruits and vegetables exported to Brazil in 2014 were plums, with 21,211 tonnes and 86% more than in 2013; pears, with 13,608 tonnes (+36.6%); oranges, with 10,468 tonnes (+18%) and onions, with 10,021 tonnes (+155%). Also noteworthy were the exports of garlic, with a 189% increase in 2014, reaching 7,655 tonnes, and peach, with 6,187 tonnes; a 17% increase, according to data supplied by the Department of Customs and Special Taxes of the Ministry of Economy.
The 31st edition of the APAS Fair is organised by Brazil’s largest retailers and targeted to its suppliers. The fair brings together professionals from all sectors related to the sale in supermarkets, with an area of 68,000 m² and a total of 602 exhibitors last year, of which 150 were international, mostly from large multinational brands. The fair was visited by 69,554 professionals.
