Greece: Hass avocado production continues to gain ground

According to Menelaos Tzouris, shareholder of “Menelaos Fruits”, Greece, "The avocado production this year will be a little higher than the last season. Yet, we have some issues with the wet weather and strong winds at the moment."

Due to the weather, avocados are more prone to have bruises so the selection process has to be careful. “Menelaos Fruits” is one of Greece’s most established fruit and vegetable importers &

exporters. At the time of writing the company export avocados of Cretan origin.

He added that Greek exporters are becoming more professional, managing to meet the European standards and obtaining more certifications. “This is not only important for the export market, but also domestically since the local market is becoming more and more demanding as far as certificates and pesticide residues are concerned.”

Hass avocados are gradually gaining a larger share of the fruit’s production in Greece and Menelaos believes that the demand will continue to increase and will become a strong item for export.

“This is a variety that is not popular in the domestic market, as consumers are more familiar with green varieties, and as a result, almost 100% of the production goes to export.”

One of the reasons would be the appearance. Greek consumers find Hass avocados less appealing compared to other varieties due to its brown / black skin. Another reason, the cultivation of this variety is quite new in Greece. In Menelaos, small quantity is being transported to the Netherlands. “Our export capacity is still small for about half a truck per week. We only started two years ago in exporting Hass avocados. The good thing is the demand in the Dutch market is increasing. We are positive that for the coming years we will be able to increase supply drastically." “Menelaos Fruits” is exporting 20 % greater volumes than last year at this time.

For more information:
Menelaos Tzouris
menelaos.tzouris@menelaos.gr
mobile: +30 694 5437 840 |
landline: +30 210 4829 333 (ext. 120)
phone: +30 210 4829 333
www.menelaos.gr

Authors: Yzza Ibrahim / Juan Zea Estelles