The Greek fruit exporter Mitrosilis is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2016. Over the years, its number of export markets has grown considerably. Owner Christos Mitrosilis explains that, about 30 years ago, they decided to start supplying retailers directly. "With this, we became the first Greek exporter to come into direct contact with the end consumer. In this sense, we work very efficiently."Christos’ father started the company in 1976. "He was an apricot grower and when he noticed that sales in Greece were stagnating, he decided to export. Starting with two hectares of apricots, he managed to market 200 tonnes within a few years. Furthermore, my father started with the export of citrus fruits, with a volume of 4,000 tonnes. Today, that volume is five times greater. Another product that we have already been exporting for 25 years is grapes. In the early years, the shipments totalled around 300 tonnes, and they gradually increased to 3,000 tonnes."
Christos Mitrosilis during Fruit Logistica 2016.
Kiwi and citrus fruit season
The main products for Mitrosilis are citrus fruits, grapes and apricots. "In 2015, we decided to expand our product range with kiwifruit. In the coming years, we will be able to add more products." Christos affirms that the kiwifruit season brings many difficulties. "The volume in Greece is high and prices are low. The distinctiveness of Greek kiwifruit is that it is very tasteful, partly due to the climatic conditions in our country. The kiwis are marketed by us under the Anifi brand. Currently, we are in the middle of the citrus season, and in terms of volume it is the most important citrus season in the history of Mitrosilis."
Faith in the future
He is saddened by the fact that Greece is still suffering the impact of the recession. "Even though we are an export company and are thus not directly affected, we feel the consequences of the crisis. We have to pay more tax, we get less tax back from the government and the sector is subject to new regulations; however, we remain optimistic and we believe in the future."
New markets outside Europe
Mitrosilis is very active in its search for markets outside Europe. "We need to deliver our products worldwide to continue growing. We currently have contacts in Asia, North America, the Middle East and the Far East and we will continue exploring these markets in the coming years. This year, we attended WOP Dubai, a fair where we had interesting and productive meetings. It was the first step to signing strong partnerships to make sure that Mitrosilis can have a good future. This will ensure the growth of our sales worldwide."
Mitrosilis is growing every year, step by step, and a few years ago, they expanded their packing facility. "In 2008, we invested more than 2 million Euro in a large packing house with high-end technology for cooling and storage."
For more information:
Christos Mitrosilis
Mitrosilis SA
Agelena 5, Anifi 21 055 Nafplio, Hellas
Tel.: + 30 275 204 5000
Fax: + 30 275 204 3036
www.mitrosilis.gr
info@mitrosilis.gr