The current trade flow of the leafy salads in Greece is normal, ensuring good prices for hydroponic growers, according to Mrs. Elsa Zabouri, owner of the growing company Hydroponic Products Zabouris, located close to Thessaloniki: "We practice hydroponic cultivation of leafy salads year-round. We grow red, green and French types giving emphasis on different varieties depending on the season. As of now, we are primarily growing the French Flandria and the red Batavia lettuce Shirane Sky of Rijk Zwaan, as well as the green Batavia lettuce Epsilone of Hazera. Prices are quite good. We get 1,20 euros/kg, or 0,60-0,65 euros/item."
In the Greek lettuce market, there is no competition from imported products. As Mrs. Zabouri describes: "We maintain a variety of collaborations, with supermarkets, wholesalers and other packers and we face no pressure either from imported products, or from Greek open-field cultivated lettuces. In fact, there are no lettuce imports, while the colder the weather gets, the less open-field cultivated lettuce we see. Sales for our products can be more demanding from May to June 20. That's when the open-field cultivated lettuce make a strong return to the market."
Looking ahead, things are going to be even more favorable for lettuce sellers. "As we are approaching Christmas, demand increases, on the contrary to the offer. As the weeks pass, the days become shorter, the sunlight weaker and the lettuces need more days to grow. Now they need around 50-55 days and during Christmas they will need 60 days or more. Moreover, we expect demand to increase by 40% during the festive season, that in Greece lasts until January 7. This balance will drive the prices higher," the Greek entrepreneur notes.
However, nothing comes without pain. Hydroponic farms in Greece have to face their own challenges. "There is sufficient working force and at the same time we suffer from very high electricity prices. There seems to be no solution to the energy cost problem. Technically, there are some options, like solar energy panels etc., but these come at the expense of cultivation area. It's not an easy decision," concludes Mrs. Zabouri.
For more information
Elsa Zabouri
Hydroponic Products Zabouris
Mob: +30 697 274 3113
Email: [email protected]