Τhe various Greek pear varieties are facing a totally different market situation at the moment, according to the president of the Greek fruit exporter O.P. Gaia Fruit from Tirnavos, Mr. Christos Tassoulas. As he says: "The only pears that are currently being exported are Santa Maria and Kosia. Normally, we should also export Krystalli, which is the 'Greek Blanquilla'. The Middle East is the market that buys this variety but the escalating war impedes us from sending anything there."
Although sea freight logistics have become more complicated for exporters, the absence of Krystalli shipments to the Middle East is not a decision they made. The fundamental reason goes further back. "The reason is that clients from Israel, Jordan and other Arab nations have stopped requesting deliveries at all," stresses the executive of the Greek cooperative.
Despite this unfavorable development, the Greek Krystalli exporters remain calm, since they know that this variety can be stored in cooling chambers for a long time. Therefore, they do not feel any pressure to proceed with hasty sales and they believe they can stay calm for some weeks more. "Despite the fact that the EXW prices for Krystalli have decreased compared to last season, currently ranging from 1.00 to 1.20 euros/kg for pears of 150 grams, there is no anxiety to find alternative markets by now. The demand from the domestic market is sufficient and by the end of October, when the temperature will get lower, it will be increased. Krystalli has great post-harvest durability and we apply the right treatments in order to ensure its quality," says Mr. Tassoulas.
The Krystalli crop has increased by 30% compared to last season in Tyrnavos, the most important pear growing region in Greece. "However," adds the President of Gaia Fruit, "the general fruit size is obviously smaller than last season. Last season the average size was 150-170 grams, but this time we see many fruits of 130-150 grams."
No problems for Santa Maria and Kosia
In contrast to Krystalli, the other two main cultivated varieties in Tyrnavos, Santa Maria and Kosia, are facing no trading problems. Mr. Tassoulas mentions that "these varieties have a sweet-and-sour taste and for this reason are very popular in Bulgaria, Romania and other Eastern European countries. Their harvest volume has also increased by 30% this season, while their sizes are bigger than those of Krystalli. The majority of the fruits are between 150 and 200 grams. Overall, the producers of Gaia Fruit brought about 2.500 tons of pears for fresh consumption, while we cultivate pears for industrial use as well."
Mr. Tassoulas notes a satisfying commercial flow for Santa Maria and Kosia, good prices and estimates that the end of their marketing season will not be far: "The trading of Santa Maria and Kosia is developing better and the EXW prices are about 1,50 euros/kg for both. It seems that there will be no late end for the marketing of these varieties. I think that by the end of November their stocks will be gone".
For more information:
Christos Tassoulas
O.P. Gaia Fruit
Tel: +30 2410 831 331
[email protected]
https://organosiparagogongaiafruit.com/