Uruguay Fruits And Vegetables Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

The Uruguay Fruits and Vegetables Market size is estimated at USD 17.09 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 19.75 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 2.94% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

Key Highlights

• Major fruits and vegetables grown in Uruguay are oranges, tangerines, apples, cranberries, blueberries, pears, melons, grapes, peaches, quinces, sweet potatoes, dry peas, onions, pumpkins, squash, potatoes, and broad beans. Uruguay has a long history of citrus fruit production, and a significant portion of it, about 85%, is exported to other countries. The advanced traceability system that Uruguay uses for its citrus fruits provides guarantees of their origin, which can help to ensure food safety and quality for consumers.
• In contrast, about 80% of fruit and vine production in Uruguay is focused on the domestic market, particularly in the southern part of the country. This means that most of the fruits and vegetables produced in this region are consumed within the country rather than being exported.
• Citrus fruits are the major fruit grown in Uruguay, with two main growing regions. The northern area covers about 84% of the overall citrus area and focuses on growing oranges and tangerines, while the southern area is known for growing lemons.
• Uruguay has also implemented agro-intelligent technology in producing citrus fruits, allowing consumers to access information on phytosanitary elements, nutrition, and risk, among other things. This can help to ensure that the citrus fruits produced in Uruguay meet high safety and quality standards.
• The Uruguayan climate, the fertile land, and the responsible production are favorable for the cultivation of blueberries. The major factors driving the market are favorable government policies such as zero restrictions on exports of agro-industrial products and insurance against extreme climate events, resulting in loss of fruit and vegetable production. The country exhibits great potential to showcase the quality of Uruguayan products and aims to strengthen the country's presence in various other countries.

Uruguay Fruits & Vegetables Market Trends

Adoption of Strategies to Increase Productivity

• The agricultural sector is a mainstay of the Uruguayan economy, contributing 70% of exports and 7% of the gross domestic product (GDP). The sector has experienced rapid growth, intensification, and modernization over the last decade. For instance, an Uruguayan company called "Greenation" developed a hydroponic system that uses solar energy to power the water pumps and lighting. This system allows for year-round crop production and reduces the need for traditional farming methods.
• The Uruguayan government launched a precision agriculture project called "Agricultura de Precisión" in partnership with the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA). This project aimed to promote sustainable and efficient crop production through the use of technology such as drones, sensors, and mapping software.
• Citrus fruits represent about 85% of Uruguayan fruit exports and stand out for their advanced traceability system that provides guarantees of their origin. The introduction of advanced technology in producing citrus fruits has helped consumers access information on phytosanitary elements and nutrition.
• Citriculture traceability is present in all stages of the chain, from the development of the plant until it reaches the country of export. The average vegetable cropped area per farm in the South of Uruguay increased. In contrast, the average total area per vegetable farm stayed approximately the same. With the increased adoption of new strategies such as precision agriculture, hydroponics has played a crucial role in increasing the yield of fruits and vegetables in Uruguay.

Fruits Dominate the Market

• According to data from the Uruguayan Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries, in 2020, fruits accounted for 61.5% of the total agricultural production value in Uruguay, while vegetables accounted for 38.5%. Within the fruit category, the most important crops in Uruguay are citrus fruits (such as oranges, mandarins, and grapefruits), followed by grapes, apples, and blueberries.
• Uruguay's most important citrus-producing regions are Salto, Paysandu, and Florida. These areas have favorable weather conditions, such as warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight, ideal for growing citrus fruits. Additionally, the soil in these regions is rich in nutrients, making it well-suited for cultivating high-quality citrus crops.
• The demand for fruits is increasing in the country with an increase in the export value and an increase in the area under cultivation of horticulture crops. For instance, in 2021, the country's blueberry production was 21,000 tons, a significant increase from the previous year's production of 16,000 tons.
• Uruguay is one of the world's top blueberry exporters, and in 2021, the country exported around 16,000 tons of blueberries. This export value accounted for approximately 25% of the country's total fruit exports. The major markets for Uruguayan blueberries include the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
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