The Rise of Lime Production in Brazil

Brazil is one of the largest producers and exporters of lime, with the Tahiti variety accounting for 97% of production, according to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) report.

Tahiti limes are a hybrid fruit known for their large size, thick green skin, seedless nature and ability to maintain a vibrant green peel throughout their shelf life.

HLB IMPACT

Growing Tahiti limes requires extra attention, mainly due to the concentrated supply from December to May and the challenges posed by diseases — including HLB — and pests common in citrus cultivation.

While HLB poses a significant threat to orange production and the overall citrus industry, the impact on limes is generally less severe. Limes are typically harvested before HLB symptoms appear, and even when affected by HLB-spreading psyllids, damage to the fruit is minimal.

INCREASED ACREAGE

Brazil’s lime sector has undergone remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by significant increases in both cultivated area and total production. From 2013 to 2023, lime production in Brazil increased yearly. In 2013, limes were harvested on approximately 46,036 hectares, yielding just over 1.16 million metric tons (MMT).

By 2023, the harvested area expanded to 66,687 hectares (a 45% increase) while production rose to 1.72 MMT, marking 47% growth. The growth in Brazil’s lime production was driven primarily by the expansion of cultivated areas rather than significant improvements in yield.

Today, Brazil’s lime production includes 25,000 trees on approximately 70,000 hectares.

Lime production is concentrated in the Brazilian Citrus Belt, primarily within the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais. The Triângulo Mineiro region (western part of Minas Gerais) and the northern part of São Paulo together represent over 90% of lime production.

Approximately 50% of the limes processed in Brazilian packinghouses are destined for domestic consumption, while the remaining half is exported.

See the full USDA report, The Rise of Lime Production in Brazil’s Citrus Heartland.

Source: USDA FAS