The Port of Pecém has started the 2025/2026 fruit export season, with expectations of handling around 200 refrigerated containers per week to Europe until February 2026. Shipments include fruit from several northeastern states.
Last weekend, the 335-meter-long MSC Leila docked at the port to transport fruit to northern Europe. Powered by liquefied natural gas, the vessel has a capacity of 11,500 TEUs and a draft of 10.40 meters. The cargo transported by the NWC Line will supply supermarkets in the region.
According to Luiz Roberto Barcelos, financial director of the Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas), Europe remains the main market for fruit from Ceará. "Europe has increased its imports of Brazilian fruit, especially melons and watermelons. They produce less in the winter, and Brazil has taken up that slack. The European community and the United Kingdom consume more than 70% of Brazil's fresh fruit."
He added that the United States imported approximately US$140 million worth of fruit in 2024, but higher tariffs have limited competitiveness compared with Europe.
Of the total shipped through Pecém, 80% is destined for Rotterdam (Netherlands) and London (England), with the remainder sent to Antwerp (Belgium), Le Havre (France), Sines (Portugal), Hamburg, and Bremerhaven (Germany). Each 40-foot refrigerated container can carry up to 27 tons of fruit such as melons, watermelons, mangos, and grapes from Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, and Bahia.
In 2024, melons generated US$85.6 million in exports for Ceará, accounting for nearly 70% of the state's foreign fruit sales. Seedless watermelons are also gaining ground due to their shelf life, although consumption in Europe is lower in winter.
Companies such as Brazil Melon and Itaueira are active in the sector. Itaueira, with production in Morada Nova, Ceará, aims to harvest 38,000 tons and export between 200 and 250 containers by 2025. The company reported that until August 2025, its entire production was sold domestically, but starting in September, a portion will be directed to export markets depending on demand.
Raul Viana, Port Business Manager of the Pecém Complex, noted the role of maritime logistics in supporting the region's exports. Pecém also partners with MSC to move melon harvests from Mossoró (RN) and mango and grape harvests from the São Francisco Valley (PE and BA).
Additionally, Latam recently launched a flight between Fortaleza and Lisbon, expected to carry more than 20 tons of fruit weekly. Barcelos said diversification is important, noting that besides Europe, exports to the Middle East and South America are also growing, with papaya and mango frequently transported by air.
Source: Abrafrutas