The Greek company Molia has been producing blueberries for the past five years and this season it will reach a production of between 20 and 25 tonnes. But owner Akis Petropoulos affirms that “The plants are still young, and thus next year I believe we’ll be able to obtain 120 tonnes and more.”
The fruit is cultivated in Tripoli, in central Peloponnese. “We have a team of 12 small producers with currently 16 hectares, with a growing season lasting from early June to mid September. At the moment, however, we are conducting some tests in glasshouses to be able to start from the second week of March.”
For this year, about 40% of the blueberries are sold in Greece, where Molia considers promoting consumption as an extremely important strategy, but it also has some small export destinations, including Dubai, the Netherlands, Australia, Paris, Poland and Hong Kong. “We have seven varieties: Darrow, Duke, Brigitta Blue, Elizabeth, Spartan, Patriot, Liberty and Chandler. The most popular is Duke and Liberty, but we can offer great sizes and a really good taste for the Brigitta Blue and Chandler”, explains Mr Petropoulos.
For the upcoming season, he predicts that both quality and sizes will be really good. “The Greek sunshine and the microclimate are both very important factors in order for the blueberries to have a great taste which will be our advantage. The fruits are handpicked one by one and within 24 hours, blueberries are sorted and packed using machines. Then, it is available for distribution to local and global markets. Freshness stays longer. It is packed on 1 (8x125gr) and 2 kilos (16x125gr).
In terms of performance, he assures that the most determining factor, and biggest challenge, will be the weather, “Since we are unable to cover the crops, given the lack of funding from the government, and such protection is very necessary, especially if you are going to export.”
As regards prices in Greece, Mr Petropoulos believes they are really high at the moment, reflecting the fact that all fruit is imported, but also that they will drop as soon as the Greek campaign kicks off.
While he describes the blueberry market as very volatile in terms of prices, since one country’s oversupply/lack of sales can affect prices in neighbouring markets, he also believes that “the most important aspect is to offer a good product with good packaging, because then you can always sell at a higher price. Offering value for money is everything for a small company.”
For more information:
MoliaAkis Petropoulos
tel 0030 6942 201613
email
info@molia.grwww.molia.gr
