No reason to worry for the apple traders in Greece this season. The fruits entered the cooling chambers in good condition, while the very low crop of this season makes sales to the free market unnecessary, whether abroad or in the domestic one, as the few volumes had already been secured since early September for the supply programs to the big Greek retailers.
© Poulis S.A.
The aforementioned market situation is reflected in the official export numbers. According to data provided by the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Greek apple exports from September 1st until the end of the first week of December have fallen to 12.577 tons, which means a 43% reduction compared to last year's respective period. Egypt is once again the most significant importer of Greek apples, but even exports destined for this country have fallen by 51% to 7.297 tons.
"It is true that Egypt has heavily turned to Polish and Serbian apples, this is the first season that Egypt buys Serbian apples, after the signing of the respective protocol between the two countries, but no matter what Egypt is doing, this season is and is going to be a calm one for Greek apples, simply because there is little production," says Mr. Alexandros Poulis, owner of Poulis S.A., a big Greek packer dedicated to this fruit, which also has under its umbrella its own extended producer group.
© Poulis S.A.
"There is neither intention on our part to search for alternative markets. We keep our produce for the supply programs that we agreed with big Greek retailers, already since before the beginning of the season, and for the whole season. The crop is reduced across all varieties, Fuji, red, green, etc., but the fruits entered the cooling chambers in good condition. Exceptions exist, but they are few. We apply the proper treatment, and we will be able to deliver good-quality fruits to our clients until the end of the season. As for the prices, we can say that we are pleased with what we get, despite the fact that we would like even higher prices," the Greek trader concludes.
For more information:
Alexandros Poulis
Poulis S.A.
Tel: +30 24920 23001
Email: [email protected]
https://poulisgroup.com/
