Venus Growers, specialized in canned and fresh fruit

The Greek cooperation Venus sells for 60 million Euro per year and is one of the largest fruit export companies in Greece. 20% is fresh fruit and 80% is canned fruit. One of the farmers, and son of the CEO, Karaindros Vangelis, explains that they started with fresh fruit in 1964. "In the nineties export to Western Europe was difficult so we changed strategy and started selling canned fruit. In 2006 we decided to keep both."

Several markets
The volume of fresh fruit is about 10,000 metric ton per year, mostly peaches. "Our most important markets are Eastern European countries, among them Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Russia. Logistically it is easier and cheaper for us to reach these countries compared to our competitors in Spain and Italy." The main focus remains Eastern European countries, but in future Venus wants to pay more attention to the export to Western European countries like Germany, France and the UK. "We distinguish ourselves with high quality produce." The canned fruit is mainly exported to the Netherlands, Japan, France, Germany, UK, and the USA.

Increased popularity of flat peaches
Not only peaches, but nectarines, flat peaches and flat nectarines too are important products. The popularity of flat peaches has increased immensely in recent years. "We still 'thin' fruit and give the fruit room to grow. This results in large flat peaches with a great taste. Venus Growers are known for these qualities. Before the crisis quality was the main criteria for the Greek customer, so we are used to focusing on the quality."

He states that there are differences in the market for fresh fruit and the market for canned fruit. "The stable prices of canned fruit is an advantage, they change from year to year, but during the season there is little change. Every season we asses both markets, fresh and canned fruit, and then decide how much we sell for which market."

For more information:
Venus Growers
Vangelis Karaindros
RR Station of Veria
P.O. Box 3, 591 00 Veria - Griekenland
T: +30 23310 23311
F: +30 23310 24204
karaindros@venusgrowers.gr
www.venusgrowers.gr