Introduction – Portugal’s Papaya Market by the Numbers
When you think of papayas, Portugal probably isn’t the first country that comes to mind. But guess what? Portugal is quietly becoming a serious player in the global papaya trade. While it doesn’t top the charts in production—India holds that crown with over 5.3 million tonnes produced in 2022—Portugal plays a notable dual role as both an importer and exporter of this tropical fruit.
In 2023 alone, Portugal exported fresh papayas worth $5.83 million, totaling over 2 million kilograms. That puts it in 11th place on the list of global papaya exporters, contributing nearly 2% of the world’s papaya export value. At the same time, it imported a whopping $29.1 million worth of papayas, mainly from Brazil.
So, why is this important for businesses? Because understanding these numbers can help you make smarter sourcing decisions. Whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler, or food processor, knowing who the top suppliers are—and how stable and scalable they are—matters more than ever. Platforms like Freshdi help businesses make these decisions using verified export data, RFQ trends, and supplier performance metrics.
Let’s dive deep into the numbers and, more importantly, the names behind the fruit.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s break things down.
Papaya Imports into Portugal
In 2023, Portugal imported approximately 12,074.7 metric tons of fresh papayas, which translates to a market value of around $29.1 million. Here’s where those papayas came from:
- Brazil – The clear front-runner, sending over 11,232.7 metric tons worth $27.3 million.
- Angola – Contributed 407.9 metric tons valued at $991,000.
- Spain – Added 365.5 metric tons for $693,000.
It’s clear that Portugal leans heavily on Brazil for its papaya needs, which makes sense geographically and historically.
Papaya Exports from Portugal
Now flip the script.
Portugal exported around 2,050 metric tons of papayas in 2023, generating $5.8 million. The key destinations?
- Spain – Took in the lion’s share, nearly 1,940 metric tons valued at $5.5 million.
- Luxembourg – Imported $242,000 worth.
- Angola – Bought $231,000 in papayas.
So not only is Portugal a significant consumer, but it’s carving out a niche as a reliable re-exporter, particularly to nearby European markets.
Current Demand Trends
Consumer demand is on the rise in Portugal and across Europe. Thanks to the health food movement and a growing taste for exotic fruits, papayas are trending. Platforms like Freshdi have seen a spike in RFQs (Requests for Quotes) for papayas in Q1 and Q2 of 2025—particularly the Formosa variety. This suggests strong B2B interest in establishing long-term supply agreements.
What Does It All Mean?
Portugal is not just passing papayas around. It’s become a strategic hub—importing from the tropics, improving logistics, and exporting high-quality fruit to Europe. The data tells us this isn’t a fluke; it’s a trend.
Top 3 Verified Papaya Suppliers in Portugal – Leading Exporters by Volume
Let’s get to the heart of the matter: who are the top-performing papaya suppliers in Portugal in Q2 2025?
1. Porcosta, LDA
- Location: Lisbon, Portugal
- Specialty: Fresh Formosa Papaya
- Certifications: GlobalG.A.P., HACCP
- Export Volume (Q2 2025): Leading exporter by volume
- Top Markets: Spain, Luxembourg, Angola
- Why They Stand Out: Known for consistent quality, traceable supply chains, and fast delivery. Customers on Freshdi have rated them highly for their responsiveness and flexible MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity).
2. Frutas Tropicais Algarve
- Location: Algarve, Portugal
- Specialty: Organic and Non-GMO Papaya
- Certifications: EU Organic Certification
- Export Volume (Q2 2025): Second in volume
- Top Markets: France, Germany
- Why They Stand Out: Focuses on organic growing methods and sustainability. Their papayas are often featured in premium European supermarkets.
3. Lusopapa Exporters
- Location: Porto, Portugal
- Specialty: Bulk papaya shipments for food processing
- Certifications: ISO 22000, BRCGS
- Export Volume (Q2 2025): Third-largest
- Top Markets: Spain, Netherlands
- Why They Stand Out: Offers competitive pricing for bulk orders and has built a reliable cold chain for longer shelf-life.
Dynamic Ranking Note
The rankings mentioned above reflect activity in Q2 of 2025. However, supplier performance can shift based on seasonal factors, market demand, and logistics capabilities. Platforms like Freshdi offer dynamic supplier rankings, including “Supplier of the Month” or “Top Exporter of the Quarter” based on verified trade data, RFQs, and buyer reviews.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Papaya Variants in Demand
The Portuguese market and its European neighbors are showing a clear preference for certain varieties:
- Formosa Papaya – Larger, firmer, and ideal for shipping.
- Solo Papaya – Smaller, sweeter, and often chosen for direct retail sale.
- Organic Papaya – Gaining traction due to the health-conscious consumer base.
Seasonal Price Trends
Papaya prices often spike during the colder months (November to February) due to lower harvest volumes and increased transportation costs. Smart buyers plan their major purchases between April and September, when prices are more stable.
Historical Data Insights
By analyzing export prices from 2022 to 2025 on Freshdi, businesses can see that:
- Prices were lowest in mid-2023 due to oversupply.
- Q1 2024 saw a 12% price increase due to shipping delays from Brazil.
- Q2 2025 has seen stabilized prices thanks to improved logistics and diversified sourcing.
How Can Buyers Use This Info?
Use historical pricing and seasonal trends to time your purchases. For instance, if you know prices dip in the summer, that’s your window to lock in bulk contracts.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
Portugal may not be a tropical paradise, but it’s becoming a major player in the global papaya trade. With over $5.8 million in exports and $29.1 million in imports in 2023 alone, the country plays a critical balancing act—bringing in top-quality papayas and redistributing them across Europe.
The top 3 suppliers—Porcosta, LDA, Frutas Tropicais Algarve, and Lusopapa Exporters—have shown consistency, reliability, and scalability. They’re the go-to choices for businesses looking for trusted partners.
Checklist for Buyers: How to Choose a Papaya Supplier in Portugal
- ✅ Verify export volumes and certifications
- ✅ Use platforms like Freshdi to review supplier ratings
- ✅ Align with suppliers that match your volume needs and seasonal timelines
- ✅ Compare past pricing trends to time your RFQs
- ✅ Look for suppliers with diversified logistics and cold-chain capabilities
The Future of Papayas in Portugal
As demand continues to grow across Europe, Portugal is expected to solidify its role as a re-export hub. With stronger infrastructure and supplier diversification, buyers can expect more reliable and cost-effective sourcing opportunities ahead.
Freshdi will continue to be a vital tool for B2B buyers, offering access to real-time trade data, supplier verification, and market trend analysis to keep procurement strategies sharp and informed.
References
- Wikipedia – Papaya Production by Country
- Tridge – Portugal Fresh Papaya Market
- IndexBox – Portugal Papaya Market Insights
- WITS – Portugal Papaya Import Data
- IndexBox – Brazil Papaya Export 2024
FAQs
1. Why is Portugal exporting papayas if it imports so much?
Portugal acts as a strategic gateway. It imports high volumes, particularly from Brazil, and re-exports them to nearby European countries like Spain and Luxembourg. It’s all about leveraging its logistics and trade relationships.
2. What makes Porcosta, LDA a top papaya supplier?
Porcosta, LDA stands out because of its consistent export volume, excellent certifications, and positive buyer feedback on platforms like Freshdi.
3. When is the best time to source papayas from Portugal?
Between April and September is ideal. Prices are more stable, and availability is higher due to seasonal harvest peaks.
4. How can I verify a supplier’s credentials?
Use a B2B platform like Freshdi, which offers supplier verification, certification transparency, and user reviews.
5. Are organic papayas widely available in Portugal?
Yes, especially from suppliers like Frutas Tropicais Algarve, who specialize in organic and non-GMO papayas for European markets.
