According to Panos Goumas, Sales Manager at Agrexpo S.A., the Greek watermelon production this season is smaller than last year as a result of the weather conditions. “The weather in Europe is currently quite bad for summer time; in Poland, temperatures range between 12 and 18 degrees and this affects the marketing of watermelons. Normally, our company exports about 2,000 tonnes per year, but this season we believe we’ll ship around 1,400 tonnes.”
In addition to Poland, which in conditions of low demand prefers Italian watermelons due to their lower prices, Mr Goumas explains that Agrexpo is focused on destinations such as Germany, Slovakia or Slovenia, where market conditions are slightly more stable. “There are also great differences between these markets when it comes to calibres demanded. Germany and Slovakia demand much bigger watermelons, while Poland prefers smaller ones.”
Besides the export markets, which receive 80% of the production of varieties such as the Samantha, Obla, Celine and Florida, Agrexpo S.A. also markets its fruit in the domestic market. “We supply the biggest supermarket in Greece and demand is very high because of the hot temperatures, of around 35 degrees,” states Mr Goumas.
In terms of quality, he affirms the first watermelons of the season were better than last year’s, but the weather, with abundant rainfall and hail, has taken a toll in this regard. “Right now we are in the middle of the season and problems are starting to be detected. Consequently, watermelon buyers need to be careful and cooperate with companies that look for good quality.”
Mr Goumas assures that the financial crisis and cash flow problems have also affected the quality and volume of the country’s production, not only of watermelons, but of most fruits and vegetables. To tackle this “we try to find the best producers and supply them with seeds, fertilisers and all the cash they need to grow the watermelons. We try to encourage producers by telling them exports are the way for the country to get out of this crisis.”
For more information:
Agrexpotel 30 27210 82149