Greek consumption of fruits and vegetables has drastically changed over the last 60 years, and this is reflected in the commercial portfolio of the wholesale companies that have served it throughout these decades.
One of these companies is Kavvadias S.A., based in the Athens Central Market. On the occasion of the company's 60th anniversary, Mr. Dionysis Kavvadias, who represents the third generation managing the family business, notes: "The company started 60 years ago with 4-5 codes of Greek products, with carrots as the principal one, but now it handles 200 codes of Greek and imported fruits and vegetables, with a specialization in vegetables. We want to be the first name that comes to mind when someone needs large quantities of vegetables, without compromising on quality."
Mr. Kavvadias describes the dramatic changes in vegetable consumption in Greece: "The vegetable market in Greece is well-established, but there have been significant changes within it over the last 60 years that our company has been active. In the past, vegetables like celery and celeriac were common. Now they are no longer present because they are cooking products that require time to prepare, and households have reduced the time they spend cooking. Even lettuce has been partly replaced by pre-cut salads."
As the Greek merchant summarizes: ""Consumers today pay extra to save time, even if they have to pay 10 cents for a more practical product. Our company has recognized this trend and is exploring the best way to capitalize on it. We are always eager to bring something new."
"The changes in the fruits and vegetables consumed over the last 60 years are enormous. As for fruits, mangoes, pineapples, and limes have become part of the life of Greek consumers, both as table products and as cocktail ingredients. Beyond the consumption map, the production map has also changed. Fruits such as avocados, which were not available in Greece in the past, are now sourced in bulk from Crete," says Mr. Kavvadias.
One of the most recent additions to Greek farms is various berries. "Now, berries such as blueberries are cultivated in Greece, in the Ilia region, but they are few and not enough for the entire year. Therefore, most of our berries are imported from abroad," concludes Mr. Kavvadias.
For more information:
Dionysis Kavvadias
Kavvadias S.A.
Tel: +30 210 4820512, +30 210 4831352
Email: [email protected]
https://kavvadias-sa.gr/