The supplies of Greek potatoes from the major growing regions of Nevrokopi and Ano Vrontou in Serres have been exhausted for some time now. On the other hand, only minimal quantities remain from the crops of southern Greece. As a result, the Greek market relies heavily on imported potatoes from France, Cyprus, and Egypt, which began arriving in the first days of February. However, according to Mr. Charalampos Bartzokas, owner of the customs brokerage firm Bartzokas Co Hellenic Customs Brokers, it is Egypt that will cover the largest gaps in the Greek potato market until May.
"Imports have already begun, and according to usual data, potato imports from Egypt to Greece reach about 100.000 tons," notes the Greek customs broker, based in the country's largest port, Piraeus. "So far, demand is good, although shipments from Egypt to Piraeus and Thessaloniki have faced some delays in vessel arrivals in recent days. Smaller quantities of Egyptian potatoes may also enter through the small ports of Kiato and Astakos."
Unlike last year, when many shipments of Egyptian potatoes were rejected for import into Greece, such cases are minimal this year. As Mr. Bartzokas explains: "Last year, imports of potatoes were banned from a large number of regions in Egypt —30 in total— where quarantine bacteria had been detected. These bacteria are not dangerous to humans but pose a threat to plant life, leading to shipments being rejected at Greece's entry points or not being sent at all. This year, there is a significant improvement, as only two regions in Egypt have been identified with such bacteria."
At this stage, Egyptian potato imports into Greece have not yet reached their peak volume, but they are close to it. As Mr. Bartzokas expects: "Experience shows that demand for potatoes from Egypt will peak in March and April. In the third week of February, FOB prices for Egyptian potatoes stand at 0,40–0,44 euros per kilogram, while they usually arrive at the Athens Central Market at €0,58 per kilogram. However, it is not possible to predict how prices may fluctuate in the coming period," concludes the Greek customs broker.
For more information:
Charalampos Bartzokas
Bartzokas Co Hellenic Customs Brokers
Tel: +30 210 432 2717
Email: bartzokas.co@gmail.com