Clementines from Argolida, Greece's most significant citrus-growing region, have started strong with high prices, says Mr. Christos Merikas, shareholder and sales manager of the citrus exporting company Five S.A.: "There is strong demand for clementines, with the harvest having started about ten days ago. The requests come from both Eastern and Western Europe. The currently harvested clementines need de-greening treatment, but this does not affect their sales perspectives. We expect naturally colored clementines to enter the markets in about two weeks and meet the same auspicious market conditions."
The crop's volume of clementines in Argolida is reduced by about 15% compared to last year and, although calibers are larger than last season, the average size profile remains moderate. "However, current clementines are bigger than those of the first days and the fruits continue to gain size. The first fruits were mostly of size categories 3, 4 and 5 but as of now we see fruits from 1 to 4," the Greek exporter says.
The market situation for oranges is quite different. It's neither good nor bad and it seems that the devastating floods in Valencia have not affected the demand for Greek navelinas. As Mr. Merikas explains: "It isn't certain that these floods can have an impact on the demand for Greek oranges. At least, until now, we see no impact. The Spanish growers might lose about a week until they can get in their farms and resume their activities after this tragedy, but they will find a way to get on."
The harvest of navelinas in Argolida commenced in late October. The currently harvested oranges, delivered to packing plants at 0,38 euros/kg, require de-greening treatment, Merikas states. "The fruits needing such treatment are being harvested at gradually lower volumes. In approximately two weeks they will be over. Naturally colored navelinas from Argolida will be available from November 15th until the end of December."
The de-greened oranges are destined to the Balkan and Eastern European countries. "The entrance of naturally colored navelinas on stage will enhance the sales to Western Europe as well." At with the clementine crop, the volume for navelinas in Argolida is also lower. It's expected about that the crop will be between 10 and 15% smaller than last season. Fruits' sizes are also larger than they were last year. "We see the majority of the fruits to range from the size categories 4 to 9. The reasons are the high summer temperatures and the lack of rainfalls," Mr. Merikas concludes.
For more information:
Christos Merikas
Five S.A.
Mob: +30 697 284 1075
[email protected]