The peach industry is not doing very well. Some say it is in crisis. But Greek suppliers are resilient and hopeful that the industry will be favorable to them.
ASEPOP Naoussa
According to Vasilios Bougas of ASEPOP Naoussa, “The oversupply of peaches in the market has caused very low prices of the fruit across the board and a lot of pressure on the market.” Prices affect all the main varieties of peaches including, Springcrest, Maycrest and Royal glory.
ASEPOP Naoussa has grown smaller peaches this year, exports to countries such as Ukraine and Czech Republic. He says, “Because of the low prices and intensified competition, it has been an uphill battle across all our markets. We are hopeful for the Russian market because we noticed that they prefer small sized peaches which we have produced a lot of recently.”
ASEPOP Naoussa
According to Vasilios Bougas of ASEPOP Naoussa, “The oversupply of peaches in the market has caused very low prices of the fruit across the board and a lot of pressure on the market.” Prices affect all the main varieties of peaches including, Springcrest, Maycrest and Royal glory.
ASEPOP Naoussa has grown smaller peaches this year, exports to countries such as Ukraine and Czech Republic. He says, “Because of the low prices and intensified competition, it has been an uphill battle across all our markets. We are hopeful for the Russian market because we noticed that they prefer small sized peaches which we have produced a lot of recently.”
ASEPOP Velventos
Labanis the General Manager of Greek Company ASEPOP Velventos explained why his company sells 65% of its produce to the local market and 35% to markets outside of Greece, “There is a lot of competition in the industry from countries such as Italy, Spain and France. Because of our superior quality over competition and marketing activities including TV ads, radio ads and exhibitions, we are able to maintain a solid position in the local market.” Prices in the local Greek market are more favorable.
ASEPOP Velventos exports to countries such as Serbia, Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Cyprus and the Czech Republic. Labanis said that the international market is a bit trickier. Some countries such as Ukraine, Serbia and Romania prefer smaller sized peaches, which is only 20% of their produce. But since the company is dynamic, they try to adjust depending on the situation and market.
“For instance in Serbia, which we just incorporated last year, and we’ve improved our sales, and we’re continuously looking to evolve. In Ukraine there are various companies looking for premium peaches, we want to start a company there but due to the crisis there we have put that project on hold.”
Given that the peach industry is competitive and low cost, it will be difficult for Greek companies to dominate outside the country.
For more information:
Vasilios Bougas
ASEPOP Naoussa
Tel: 0030 2332041196
Email: asepopn@hol.gr
www.asepopn.gr/en/index.htm
Efthymios Balanis
ASEPOP VelventosTel: 0030-210-4813677
Email: asepop@koz.forthnet.gr
www.velvita.gr