Tourists help bring new trends to Greek market

Two factors are causing a change in demand for the modern Greek market. With each passing year, demand for specialities and exotics are growing, both from the savvy social media younger generations, but also from the tourist industry.

"We seem to be slowly moving away from tradition, and more and more consumers are interested in micro-greens and trying out other new products they have seen in the mass media. They see chefs on the television and posts on the internet and they want to try these things at home too," explains Meneloas Tzouris.

Our company started back in the mid-eighties and Meneloas said they work primarily with the major supermarket chains and wholesalers in Greece. Along with exotics and specialities, we play an import role in filling seasonal gaps when locally grown produce is not in season. The products we are importing the most right now are grapes, pears, ginger, garlic, limes and mangos, from Asia and the southern hemisphere. Menelaos also added that they are the partner in Greece for Zespri kiwis.

"The tourist season is about to start, so we usually see a huge boost in demand for limes and lemons and other exotics that are used for cocktails. Microgreens and baby vegetables are also quite popular. Tourists also help bring new products here to Greece, because chefs like to offer them some of the trends they might be familiar with at home," Menelaos said.

Of course, when in season, Menelaos also exports products like apples, kiwis, asparagus, peaches, nectarines, grapes and watermelon.

"We switch back to more traditional products in the winter and we help filled any supply gaps from other parts of Europe when there are shortages. The weather this past winter was quite good, which meant that we didn't need to import as many goods as we have in previous year," shared Menelaos.

For more information:

Menelaos Tzouris

Tel: +30 2104829333

Fax: +30 2104814966

Email: menelaos.tzouris@menelaos.gr