Walnut harvest is about to end in Greece, giving better results than last season, according to Mr. Yannis Karkanis, president of the Walnut Agricultural Cooperative Gaia Domokou from Central Greece. As he notes: "Harvest's end is a matter of days. Thanks to the more favorable weather conditions compared to last season, i.e., the absence of persistent heatwaves, our crop has risen by about 40%."
© Gaia Domokou
Concerning the crop's characteristics, he comments: "Quality is also higher than last season, though it does not leave us very satisfied. Anyway, having received last season's kernel/shell ratio of 35–37%, we feel better receiving 40–43%. Nuts are better formed as well, and the average size is a bit improved. Eighty percent of the crop belongs to the 30 size category, 10% to 28, and the rest to 32."
The production improvement has led to better marketing performance for growers compared to last season. The president of the Greek cooperative stresses: "There are no stocks left from the previous season, while the positive quality development, though slight, was concrete enough to make itself felt in the market. These days, the grower price is 3,00 euros/kg. This is much higher compared to last October."
© Gaia Domokou
Mr. Karkanis describes the general market conditions as ominous for sellers. "There is steady, good demand coming from the domestic market from the beginning. We are noticing especially warm interest from Albania as well. I think there must be no hurry to sell the product. Some circumstances can keep prices at a high level until Christmas. Normally, after this point, growers get anxious to sell whatever stock remains, but I think they should not. There is no reason. We see long-lasting quality."
© Gaia Domokou
The Greek cooperative, founded three years ago, can offer walnuts for an extended period. "Starting in spring, we store our crop in cooling chambers, allowing for year-round deliveries. There is no special cost increase for the stored walnuts. Our cooperative also handles the cracking and packing processes in its own facility, and our priority is to deliver walnut kernels. In addition, we produce walnut butter in 200-gram packaging," Mr. Karkanis concludes.
For more information:
Yannis Karkanis
Gaia Domokou
Mob: +30 697 33 76 303
Email: [email protected]
https://gaiadomokou.gr/
