Fruit exports of dried and processed varieties increased by 14.4% in the first two months of the year compared to the same period in 2017, according to 
numbers released by the Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Derivatives (Abrafrutas). The revenue totaled US$ 98.1 million during the period, a rise of 18.3% compared to the previous year.
The main highlights in terms of exported volume were orange, strawberry, banana, apple, and canned fruits. In total, Brazil exported 124.3 thousand tons of fruits in the first two months of the year.
Producing States
The main exporting states in Brazil during this period were Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, with sales of 33.8 and 25.1 million tons of melon, respectively. São Paulo ranked third with 18.3 million tons of lemon, followed by Rio Grande do Sul (14.5 million tons of apple) and Pernambuco (8.9 million tons of mango).
Boost to Exports
Although Brazil ranks third as the largest fruit producer in the world, it is only 23rd in terms of exported volume. Aiming to improve the country’s international presence in this market, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA) has set a political goal to increase fruit exports by 50% over the next two years.
The MAPA also launched the National Development Plan for Fruit Production (PNDF), a partnership with the private sector aimed at strengthening entities in the fruit sector, promoting more robust development of cooperatives, and creating a sector fund with public and private resources to help develop the fruit production chain.
Source: www.brazilgovnews.gov.br