Asepop Velventos, a Greek group of producers from the area of Velventos, Kozani, is currently preparing for the upcoming stonefruit campaign (mostly peaches and nectarines), which will kick off in early June. General Manager Athanasios Kotzakolios affirms that “For now, everything seems to be normal in terms of quality, although this will still depend on the weather.”He assures that harvest volumes this season are expected to increase, reaching approximately 10,000 tonnes of peaches and nectarines, compared to 9,000 last year, and “The main reason for this is that our producers have planted more trees.”
When it comes to destinations for this fruit, the Russian ban, as in the case of other Greek firms, will directly affect the company’s strategy. “Unless we receive the green light from Russia, we’ll be looking for new markets anywhere, in Central, Eastern and Northern Europe, the Middle East, etc. The main problem with the Middle East, however, is that stonefruit is very sensitive to transport,” he explains.
Despite these difficulties, Mr Kotzakolios remains optimistic, since he affirms the group manages to stand out when it comes to the fruit’s quality, “Although there will be lots of pressure on prices. I believe other producers, like Spain or Italy, also have big volumes and buyers will look for the lowest price.”
In any case, even if the export market fails, he assures that Asepop Velventos has some room to manoeuvre in the Greek domestic market, “Where our situation is more stable, because we have some very good contacts with the big supermarkets, so this is something we can rely on. We have a good name, so I believe we’ll manage to get through this.”
For more information:
Asepop Velventos
Athanasios Kotzakolios
Phone: +30 24640 31333
Fax: +30 24640 31924
asepop@koz.forthnet.gr
http://www.asepopv.gr
Athanasios Kotzakolios
Phone: +30 24640 31333
Fax: +30 24640 31924
asepop@koz.forthnet.gr
http://www.asepopv.gr