Cucumber harvest in Crete has begun and although quality is high, exporters to the Balkan countries face almost zero profit margins, due to competition from Albania. As Cretan exporter Mr. Labros Pervolarakis explains: "Sales are developing very slowly. We do not receive significant demand, as the Balkan countries, which represent our primary markets, still have a substantial supply of local and cheaper cucumbers. Our biggest competitor is Albania, where the grower price is around €0,50/kg, whereas in Crete we currently pay €0,90/kg to growers."
Mr. Pervolarakis believes that this situation may change, but not soon. "Cucumbers have experienced great growth in Albania, thanks to people who came to Greece for work and obtained significant experience. Cucumbers are cultivated along Albania's extensive coastline, which allows for significant production and makes it easier to meet Balkan demand. In the past, we've seen such unfavorable market conditions shift around December, which might happen again this year, especially if adverse weather in Albania puts a halt to production."
Greek cucumbers also face challenges in the German market. "We've heard reports of severe damage to greenhouses in Almeria due to recent floods in eastern Spain, but we believe these reports may be somewhat exaggerated. I don't deny there was damage in Almeria's cucumber greenhouses, but not to an extent that would impact the cucumber market. So far, we see no increased demand for Greek cucumbers from Germany. In fact, with grower prices in Spain at €0,70/kg, we're forced to lower our prices to match those levels in order to secure sales there," emphasizes the Greek exporter.
As for the outlook for Crete's current cucumber crop, the situation seems precarious due to a lack of rainfall. "Currently, most cucumber supplies come from the Tympaki and Messara areas, which will remain active in the market until December. In December, harvesting will begin in Psari Forada, Arvi, and Kastri, areas dedicated to cucumber cultivation, and in January it will start in Ierapetra. Although cucumber planting has increased by about 10% across Crete compared to last year, if the dry conditions continue, we may see significantly lower production than expected," Mr. Pervolarakis notes.
For more information:
Labros Pervolarakis
L. Pervolarakis S.A.
Tel: +30 2810 871 536, +30 2810 871 435
Email: [email protected]