“…in 2023, there was a 26% growth in exports compared to 2022…”
Júlio César Del Grossi is the commercial director at Frutas Katira, one of the largest exporters of Tahiti lime in Brazil.
Del Grossi is an agricultural engineer who graduated from the Federal University of São Carlos, with specializations from the Valencian Institute of Agrarian Research and Esalq/USP.
AgriBrasilis – How big is the Tahiti lime market in Brazil?
Júlio Del Grossi – According to IBGE data, the Tahiti lime market in Brazil reached 1,724,330 tonnes in 2023, with a production value of approximately US$ 420 million.
AgriBrasilis – How is the acceptance and use of Tahiti lime in the international market?
Júlio Del Grossi – Each year, the acceptance and use of Tahiti lime in the international market have been growing. In 2023 alone, exports increased by 26% compared to 2022. In 2014, lemon and lime exports reached US$ 92,301,008, while in 2023, they totaled US$ 174,036,286, showing significant growth (+89%).
AgriBrasilis – Why is the price of lime so volatile throughout the year? What are the estimates for 2025?
Júlio Del Grossi – The price is volatile mainly due to climate conditions. Prices tend to be more affordable during the harvest season (Jan – Apr) and higher during the off-season (Aug – Nov).
For 2025, prices are expected to remain similar to 2024.
AgriBrasilis – What are the key factors for obtaining high-quality fruit? What are the specific management practices for this crop?
Júlio Del Grossi – To produce high-quality fruit, Tahiti lime requires irrigation and proper nutritional and phytosanitary management. Lime cultivation has particularities, such as annual pruning, which stimulates production and increases sunlight exposure, improving fruit coloration.
AgriBrasilis – Is greening becoming an obstacle to Tahimi lime cultivation in the State of São Paulo?
Júlio Del Grossi – HLB is a challenge for lime production, but since lime is more tolerant to the disease than other citrus varieties, it can still reach good yields even in regions with high disease incidence. Proper management, as mentioned earlier, is crucial in this regard.
AgriBrasilis – In lime farming, a significant portion of expenses happen during the harvest. Why is this process so costly?
Júlio Del Grossi – During the harvest period, harvesting costs can reach up to 50% of the box price, while in the off-season, they account for approximately 10% of the product’s value.
AgriBrasilis – Katira faced a 23% decline in 2023 but ended 2024 with a recovery. How did this happen?
Júlio Del Grossi – Katira experienced a 23% drop in production due to the climate factors mentioned earlier. However, with an increase in the final product price, the company closed in 2024 with a 23% increase in revenue. The main strategy adopted was price adjustments and better sourcing from third-party suppliers, which ensured profitability growth throughout the year.
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