Apples, pears and quinces market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Brazilian market for fresh apples, pears, and quinces experienced significant volatility, primarily driven by external shocks. The market volume fell sharply in 2020 to 1.18 million tons, a drop of over 16%, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted logistics and reduced demand. Recovery followed in 2021, with volume returning to 1.39 million tons, supported by normalized production. However, severe drought and hailstorms in 2022 cut production, shrinking the market to 1.29 million tons. In 2023, despite crop damage from heavy rains that affected fruit size and quality, the market expanded to 1.48 million tons as increased imports of medium to large caliber fruit compensated for domestic shortfalls.

Underlying these fluctuations were shifts in trade and consumption patterns. In 2019, Brazil resumed apple and pear imports from Argentina after a bilateral agreement strengthened phytosanitary controls, which later helped maintain supply during production dips. Consumer preferences increasingly favored sweeter varieties like Gala and Pink Lady over Fuji, influencing retail offerings. Additionally, the Fuji apple from São Joaquim earned a Geographical Indication seal in 2021, enhancing the value of local produce. Export volumes, however, faced challenges from fruit quality issues and the loss of traditional markets like Russia due to geopolitical conflicts, falling to 36 thousand tons in 2023.

The sector demonstrated resilience through investments in cold storage infrastructure and sustainable technology by Southern Brazilian producers. These efforts aimed to improve fruit quality and competitiveness, particularly for exports. While production estimates for 2024 and 2025 pointed to recovery, driven by favorable winter conditions, the market's trajectory remained linked to weather patterns and international trade dynamics.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Brazil ranked 14th globally in apple, pear, and quince production from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of apples, pears and quinces, 2018-2021

World map of production of apples, pears and quinces, 2018-2021

In 2021, Brazil produced 1 314 thousand tonnes of apples, pears, and quinces, representing a 31.5% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 7.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 999 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 19.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the value of apple, pear, and quince production in Brazil reached 980.3 million US dollars, marking a 48.2% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production value rose by 8.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 661.3 million US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 29.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Brazil

Exports in kind, K t

Brazil's exports of apples, pears, and quinces grew for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching 99.1 thousand tonnes—a sharp 58.2% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 39.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 56.6 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 20.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Bangladesh (28.3% of exports in volume), Russia (19.4%), and India (14.6%) were the main markets for Brazil's apple, pear, and quince exports, together accounting for 62.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Brazil's export value of apples, pears, and quinces showed volatility from 2018 to 2021. In 2021, exports peaked at 74.0 million US dollars, a sudden 78.4% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 41.5 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 18.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Bangladesh (25.4% of export value), Russia (17.7%), and India (15.6%) were the primary buyers of Brazil's apples, pears, and quinces, together comprising 58.7% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Brazil

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Brazil imported 171.8 thousand tonnes of apples, pears, and quinces, down 30.1% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 26.3%, equating to an average annual decline of 9.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 245.8 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 5.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina (57.5% of imports in volume), Portugal (16.9%), and Chile (14.4%) were the largest contributors to Brazil's apple, pear, and quince imports, jointly accounting for 88.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Brazil imported apples, pears, and quinces valued at 74.0 million US dollars, marking a 28.6% decline from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 34.9%, with an average annual decline of 13.3%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 0.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina (53.6% of import value), Portugal (17.3%), and Chile (15.2%) accounted for the largest share of Brazil's apple, pear, and quince imports, together comprising 86.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021