Import of fruits and vegetables to Greece increased by 36.96% in March 2024, according to the Association of Greek Export Companies for Fruits, Vegetables, and Juices, INCOFRUIT-HELLAS, reaching 103,890 tons compared to 75,856 tons in the same month of 2023.
Potatoes took the lead in imports, with 67,753 tons (+83%) compared to 36,999 tons in March of the previous year. Following potatoes were apples with 3,375 tons (207%), tomatoes with 316 tons (507%), and oranges with 572 tons, all showing significant increases compared to the previous year.
For the first quarter of 2024, imports continued at an elevated pace, totalling 232,854 tons of fruits and vegetables compared to 183,158 tons in the same period of 2023, marking a 27.13% increase.
According to the Association, the main imported products include potatoes from France, Egypt, and Cyprus; bananas from Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Colombia; onions from the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany; and various others from different countries.
George Polychronakis, a special advisor to the Association, highlighted the consistent growth of foreign competition in both Greece and other markets. He emphasized the need for imported fruits and vegetables to meet the same quality standards as EU producers, with equal labour conditions and pesticide residue regulations, ensuring consumer confidence and fair competition in the Greek market.
source: rua.gr