THE “IN NATURA” MARKET FOR TAHITI LEMON

Abstract

Inserted within the citrus industry, the Tahiti lemon has been winning the domestic and foreign market. Small and medium sized properties have been investing in culture in recent years due to high profitability, easy handling, and low prospects with other cultures. This article aims to analyze the “in natura” market for Tahiti lemon, highlighting the production, economy and social aspect of culture in the country. Today, the states of São Paulo, Bahia and Minas Gerais stand out as the largest tahiti lemon producers. Due to its diversified use, the fruit is already the seventh most in demand at CEAGESP, with the possibility of increasing consumption. However, in the international scenario there are two aspects. The first refers to trade with the European Union, the main buyer, especially the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The other aspect is the non-commercialization with the United States due to phytosanitary problems. There is also a differentiation between the prices of Tahiti lemon and orange. There is room for growth in the cultivation and commercialization of the Tahiti lemon, as there is the possibility of increasing family income and, consequently, consumption.