Edible brassicas market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for fresh or chilled edible brassicas in South America contracted, falling from 681.6 thousand tons to 605.3 thousand tons. The decline was most pronounced in 2020 and 2021.

The market reversed its trend from 2022, growing to 623.7 thousand tons and further to 683.2 thousand tons in 2023. This recovery was supported by a broader consumer shift toward fresh and healthy foods, including a rising demand for convenient and quality fresh produce. Innovations in packaging and the growth of the chilled food segment also contributed to market expansion.

Looking at 2024, import volumes increased to 2.9 thousand tons, while exports remained stable at 0.9 thousand tons. Consumer preference surveys in Brazil indicated that 56% of respondents planned to increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, pointing to sustained demand for fresh brassicas. Additionally, international decarbonization regulations began influencing production practices, promoting more sustainable methods in the food industry.

Production edible brassicas in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

Edible brassicas production in South America has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 650.3 K t, marking a moderate 4.3% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 681.0 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase of 7.8% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, edible brassicas production in South America saw a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 754.8 M $ US, showing a gradual year-on-year fall of 3.5%. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 18.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.9%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 782.0 M $ US, while the largest increase of 21.6% was recorded in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports edible brassicas from South America

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 208 t and peaked in 2019 at 890 t, representing a 4.3-fold difference. In 2020, South America exported 791 t of edible brassicas, showing a robust 11.0% decline compared to 2019. The largest increase of 327.9% was recorded in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of exports in kind was highly diversified. Cuba accounted for 4.4% of exports, Panama for 3.0%, and Hong Kong for 3.0%, together making up just 10.4% of total flows. The remaining 89.6% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Export values hit their minimum in 2017 and climbed to a maximum in 2019, with a 4.4-fold shift between these years. In 2020, edible brassicas shipments from South America totaled 919 K $ US, representing a substantial year-on-year decline of 10.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 024 K $ US, with the largest increase of 334.6% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of exports in value terms remained highly diversified. The United States accounted for 12.7% of exports, the Marshall Islands for 8.0%, and Hong Kong for 7.6%, together comprising only 28.3% of total flows. The remaining 71.7% was formed by a long tail of smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South America in value, 2017-2020

Imports edible brassicas to South America

Imports in kind, t

Imported edible brassicas volumes in South America increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 698 t, up by 44.1% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 38.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 808 t, which also saw the largest decline of 34.1%. The largest increase of 45.7% occurred in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the dominant supplier of edible brassicas to South America, accounting for 7.8% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

South America's edible brassicas imports increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 1 725 K $ US, up by 30.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 59.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 16.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 811 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 25.0%. The largest increase of 63.3% was recorded in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the United States contributed 44.2% of imports in value terms, Mexico 2.6%, and Costa Rica 1.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 48.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South America in value, 2017-2020