A fruticultura tropical frente ao mercado globalizado.

Abstract

This work highlights the formation of commercial states at the end of the twentieth century. Their objectives are fundamentally economic. The states are made up of blocks and integrated through international commerce (régionalisation). Thus, the creation of new forms of organization is established, and strategies are redefined, exploring the comparative advantages of certain economic segments. In the present context, characterized by economic globalization, the cultivation of tropical fruits in Brazil appears to be a promising activity for the next few years. This could contribute to economic development, with the possibility of increase in fruit production, principally for the external market. This could eventually be a source of growth in business terms, through consumers with purchasing power and willing to pay, scattered through different countries. With regard to the cultivation of tropical fruits in Brazil, the cultivation of pineapples is most prominent, Paraíba being one of the largest producers. The pineapple is produced here in large quantities, in relation to world pineapple production, Brazil being the largest producer in South America, with good chances of conquering markets abroad. In spite of the promising perspective of an increase in the consumption of the fruit in external markets, the pineapple, like other Brazilian tropical fruits, is only exported in small quantities. This is basically due to the requirements of the international market with regard to the quality of the product. Within these parameters, the pineapple from Paraíba needs greater care at harvest time and a better infrastructure for marketing. This could lead to better utilization of production, observing standards of quality, making it possible to obtain potential consumers, especially in the external market.