Platains grown in the Spanish Canary Islands are not the only bananas grown in a European country. Actually, while platains are cultivated far from the European continental limits, close to the Atlantic coasts of Africa, there are bananas grown right in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. These bananas, with their characteristic small size, are cultivated in the Greek island of Crete. The first bearing plants have already existed in Crete in the area of Arvi by 1930 in the private garden of a monk named Lukas, but it is not precisely known how or by whom the first banana plants were brought to Crete. One story says that they were brought some years earlier by some Cretan monks returning from Egypt. In any case, today its cultivation takes place primarily in Arvi, which has given its name to the Cretan bananas, but also in Malia, Sitia and Rethymno.
Banana harvest currently on the rise
"Banana harvest in Crete is currently on the rise," stresses Mr. Nikos Papadakis, owner of Froutonplus, a local banana growing-trading company. "Banana production in Crete is year-round, but the production increase takes place from mid-August to the beginning of November. At the moment the weekly crop in Arvi stands at about 25-30 tons, but from November till March the banana orchards will yield no less than 50 tons weekly. It is possible to experience even 80 tons during some weeks. For our part, we have informed our clients that starting from November 10, they can expect a 30% increase in supply compared to now," says Mr. Papadakis, whose company runs 2,5 hectares of banana orchards, with 0,18 hectares being greenhouse-grown and 0,3 hectares of them being organic.
Premium product prices
As the weather gets colder, the price paid to Cretan bananas growers increases, standing currently at 1,30/kg for the first quality category. This is already 0,15 euros higher than during the same period last season. "Cretan bananas are an out-of-fridge product, whose consumption is less favored during high temperatures. This is why their prices are higher during the colder months. Cretan bananas are more expensive than the imported ones. Our company is also dedicated to banana imports, storing them in ripening chambers and the first quality batches are being paid to our suppliers at 1,20/kg," says the Cretan entrepreneur.
Cretan bananas are an exotic, exceptional fruit for niche markets that return premium prices to their traders. At the moment, the retail price for Cretan bananas in Greece reaches 3,50 euros/kg, while the imported bananas' retail prices oscillate between 1,90-2,10 euros. However, in order high prices to be awarded, strict timetables and good management are absolutely required. As Mr. Papadakis describes: "Cretan bananas are a completely natural product, not accepting post-harvest chemical preservation methods. For this reason, their quality is extremely delicate and can stand only 10 days after the harvest. For exports, immediate shipments are essential. If shipped by boat, the journey should last no longer than four days."
For more information:
Nikos Papadakis
Froutonplus
Mob: +30 694 732 6110
[email protected]
https://froutonplus.gr/