In Greece, fresh fruit and vegetable exports continued last week with indications that this year's kiwifruit exports could be record-breaking, and with good figures also expected for citrus fruits, apples, tomatoes and strawberries, according to a news release from the Hellenic Association of Fruit, Vegetable and Juice Exporters and Processing Companies, Incofruit - Hellas, released on March 20th.
The report says that "kiwifruit exports continue to grow at good rates, having reached 149,019 tons up to March 20, compared to 111,210 tons last year, and with confidence that this year's figures will set new records in terms of both volume and value."
Exports of oranges, lemons, cucumbers and apples also continue to grow at normal rates comparable to those of the same period last year.
Mandarins exports are being carried out at a quick rate, having reached 113,092 tons, compared to 97,511 tons last year.
Meanwhile, tomato and strawberry exports amount to 12,497 and 15,020 tons, respectively compared to last year's 10,517 and 9,578 tons.
“The need to supply domestic and international markets with fruits and vegetables, at a time when the demand for these products has increased throughout Europe due to the health crisis caused by COVID-19, has motivated export-trading companies to keep their production structures fully operational to be able to supply retailers across Europe. Prices have risen slightly more than usual in this time period, and although there is no shortage, the perception of the shortage has been enough to push prices up," said the Special Adviser-Spokesperson of Incofruit - Hellas, G. Polychronakis.
According to the Department of Documentation and Statistics of the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the exports of fresh fruit and vegetables reported on week 13 are as follows:
- Oranges: 258,615 tons, compared to 252,416 tons last year
- Mandarins: 113,092 tons, compared to 97,511 tons last year
- Lemons: 7,068 tons, compared to 6,457 tons last year
- Grapefruit: 324 tons, compared to 390 tons last year
- Apples: 60,000 tons, compared to 57,076 tons last year
- Cucumbers: 29,519 tons, compared to 26,259 tons last year
- Kiwifruit: 149,019 tons, compared to last year's 111,210 tons.
Source: gargalianoionline.gr