Greek kiwi exports to Canada see largest growth

When the Premium European Kiwi Campaign, a project co-financed by the EU and Greece, first hit the Canadian market in 2016, expectations were modest. Canadian consumers knew very little about Europe’s long-standing and strong tradition of growing and exporting kiwis. In fact, little was known about the fact that Greek, along with Italian, French and Spanish farmers had been shipping kiwis globally since the 1970's.

Back in May of 2016, European kiwi farmers made the first trip to Sial in Canada and during an intense three days, the kiwifruit growers met with fruit importers and consumers, and explained their meticulous approach to producing consistently abundant yields of high-quality kiwifruit that meet stringent European Union quality and safety standards—often under a scorching Mediterranean sun.

The farmers were greeted by a receptive audience and soon after, Canadian demand for European kiwifruit skyrocketed.

Premium European kiwi exports to Canada have increased by 9 per cent since 2013. While Italy is the largest European exporter, averaging approximately 96,000 tons a year, Greece saw the largest increase in exports, growing consistently from 3,079 tn in 2013 to 9, 743 tn in 2017—an increase of 220%. Spain and Portugal have also experienced a modest growth.

“European kiwifruits are cultivated, harvested and distributed with the highest quality standards. Although the trade sector has long appreciated kiwifruits coming from Europe, the consumers in Canada had low awareness on the fact that the European Union countries produce kiwifruits, let alone that they are among the best in the world. When we launched our campaign Premium European Kiwi we aspired to communicate this message – the warm welcome we have received from the Canadian consumers indicates that we have succeeded,” commented Mr Michail Xekarfotakis, President of the Agricultural Cooperative NESPAR, coordinator of the Premium European Kiwi campaign.

European kiwi farmers will once again attend SIAL Canada, Montreal from May 2 to May 4 at Booth 2541, to explain the significance of their kiwifruit to the European agricultural market as a whole.

For more information:
Anta Tsaira
Win Ltd
Tel: +30 6974 411318
Email: anta.tsaira@gmail.com
www.europeankiwi.eu