Goiaba de Carlópolis brings the flavor and tradition of Paraná to Fruit Attraction, in Spain

Guava from Carlópolis, in the pioneering north of Paraná, will be one of Brazil's representatives at Fruit Attraction , considered the second-largest fruit fair in the world, from September 30 to October 2 in Madrid, Spain. Participation was confirmed in a public notice from the Brazilian National Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA), which selected 20 companies. The Carlópolis Agroindustrial Cooperative (COAC), holder of the Geographical Indication (GI) for guava, is among those selected.

The 20 Brazilian companies will be part of the Trade Mission with the support of CNA, Sebrae, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex) and the Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas).

This will be the third time that Carlópolis guava will participate in Fruit Attraction, according to Odemir Capello, a consultant at Sebrae/PR. "We participated in the 2017 and 2019 editions. Now, we're returning for the 2025 edition with a very clear objective: to export directly to buyers and ensure that the fruit reaches its destinations at the ideal stage for the end consumer," explains Odemir.

To this end, COAC representatives are working on new ways to send the fruit to Europe.

"The idea is to test new logistics options and also to assess customer acceptance of the fruit at three different stages. Currently, we ship the fruit to the foreign market practically green, as this is a preference among intermediaries who prefer a longer shelf life. If we can sell directly in the future, we want to deliver riper fruit, which we believe will be even more flavorful for the consumer," explains the Cooperative's president, Inês Yumiko Sasaki.

Between 2020 and 2024, COAC exported more than 340 tons of guava abroad, with Europe being the main destination. "Every week, we send guava from Carlópolis to France, England, and Portugal. We also send, but in smaller quantities, to the Netherlands and Canada," says the cooperative's president.

To offer the fruit at the ideal point for consumption, the Sebrae/PR consultant explains that planning and work are required.

"Currently, transportation is done by air, but there's a proposal to use sea transport, which is about eight times cheaper for the exporter. The mode of transportation directly influences the transport time and also the type of controlled atmosphere used to ensure product quality. So, when we participate in a fair like this, in addition to expanding our consumer markets, we have the opportunity to negotiate logistics and ensure the quality of the fruit at the destination, as well as a better profit margin for the producer," Odemir emphasizes.

Inês explains that by adopting best logistics practices for exports, the domestic market will also benefit.

"We understand that if we can control the quality of the fruit for shipment abroad, it will be even easier for the domestic market. Everyone will benefit and will be able to buy beautiful, juicy guavas, at the best point for consumption," emphasizes the producer and president of COAC.

Eduardo Aparecido da Silva, a representative of the Cooperative, explains that technical studies to find the best controlled environment technology for export guavas are currently underway. "We have some examples of what Brazilian apple, peach, and persimmon producers are using. We're going to Spain to promote our product and also participate in business rounds to perhaps find the ideal partner to realize our logistics dream," Eduardo predicts.

Geographical Indication

GI, on the other hand, recognizes and protects the origin of products or services linked to a specific region, highlighting their specific qualities and characteristics. It is a way to add value and credibility to products and services, attesting to their provenance and linking them to their region of origin.

"Sebrae was our biggest motivator in obtaining the GI. Then came GlobalGAP, which certified us so we could begin exporting. More than just conquering new markets, these certifications increased the quality of our guava. Today, we have traceability and standards, which are increasingly demanded by all types of buyers," concludes Inês.