The export of Greek oranges and mandarins continued with a better flow and improved demand due to the favourable weather conditions in the destination markets.
Some of the best rates were achieved by kiwifruit, with a small increase in demand from India (624 tonnes) and Indonesia (138 tonnes). There has also been a good flow in shipments and satisfactory prices for apples, cucumbers and a small volume of strawberries.
The special advisor of the exporters association Incofruit-Hellas, G. Polichronakis, said: "I appeal to the Government to satisfy the just requests from producers, carriers and other industries involved in the fruit export sector in order to prevent strikers from hampering the good performance in the shipment of Greek perishable products. We also believe that the necessary application for certification will be issued to Indonesia in time, before 16 February 2016, so as to prevent the loss of this newly opened market for Greek fruit and vegetables."
According to data from the Directorate of Documentation and Statistics of the Ministry of Rural Development, the country's fresh fruit and vegetable exports during the week between 30 January and 5 February 2016 reached the following figures:
- Oranges: 197,769 tonnes, compared with 195,175 tonnes last year.
- Mandarins: 64,532 tonnes, compared to 45,390 tonnes last year.
- Lemons: 7,448 tonnes, compared with 987 tonnes last year.
- Grapefruit: 193 tonnes, compared with 297 tonnes last year.
- Apples: 63,661 tonnes, compared to 39,060 tonnes last year.
- Cucumbers: 19,619 tonnes, compared to 20,902 tonnes last year.
- Kiwifruit: 69,002 tonnes, compared to 77,373 tonnes last year.