The Greek potato season has slowly started, but business is steady. Thanks to a magnificent period of weather the Greeks expect larger volumes than last year, an increase of about 20 per cent. The hard part is getting the potatoes out of the country, as there is still uncertainty at the European borders.
The preparations for the Greek potato season had gone quite well, with great weather and the required rain for the soil. According to Christos Varvaresos , sales manager for AK Greek Fruits, they expect a 20 per cent increase in their volumes this year: “The potatoes fresh crop has already started, it is slow but steady and we expect even greater volumes as the season progresses. The quality is excellent and the loose skin is giving them an appealing fresh look. The weather helped a lot since the early start of the planting. Light and often showers made ideal weather for the potato season, the fields remained wet but not hardened thanks to those heavy rains, giving the potatoes the space they need to grow. The result of this great weather is greater produce than last year; we expect a 20 per cent increase on the volume produced. Last year we managed to sell in local market and exports more than 5,000 tons. This increase is great news and we have to support the producers we cooperate with to sell their crop.”
The logistics are still proving challenging on the international level, but locally the supply of produce is going well, Varvaresos explains. “As a company we’ve managed to deal with the local market logistics quit well. We have our own trucks and vans and we can deliver our products where the need arises all around Greece. Exports on the other hand are harder to deal with, since we rely heavily on logistics companies and the current situation is numb at the very least. Our main export partners are located in Eastern Europe, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Romania and Lithuania. With the global alert growing borders are open, but unstable and there is always a chance of total shut down. We surely hope for the best and we will do our best to overcome any obstacle.”
Despite the challenges the potato traders have been presented with, Varvaresos emphasizes having a good season is still possible, as there’s still a while to go in the season. “The potato season has only just started and it will be a long tough journey until the end. We expect a good season even though businesses remain shut. With people staying at home, they also eat more and their main expenses will be food. Therefore we expect our sales to remain stable and even to compensate the sales that would normally come from restaurants and other similar businesses.”
“Corona virus is the main concern of the world. Agriculture is struggling to maintain the crop production, while supply chains are struggling even more to maintain the flow of products. Our field of work has never been an easy one and now with all the complications it’s even harder. We can’t work from home, we are at the very front exposing ourselves to danger each and every day. But it’s definitely worth it,” Christos Varvaresos explains.
“We at AK Greek Fruits, and I’m sure many more on the same field feel the same, are proudly maintaining the flow of products to supply the national and international market. Our thoughts as a company are focused on the upcoming season of Greek potatoes and watermelons. We are sure that it will be a tough period but we are optimistic that we will manage to deliver our products efficiently and with high hygiene to protect the spread of the virus.”
Varvaresos concluded with a message to all his colleagues in the fresh produce business. “We need to hold hands together, producers, importers/exporters, transport companies and local businesses and deliver the goods to the people. We have to keep the local markets supplied with enough fruits and vegetables so the people will maintain a calm attitude. We absolutely shouldn’t stress them even more with empty shelves. Stay at home, supply your home efficiently and keep in mind that we will do our best to keep you supplied with fresh fruits and vegetables.”
For more information:
Christos Varvaresos
AK Greek Fruits
Tel: +30 262 305 5200
Mob: +30 6979415007
Email: info@greekfruits.gr
www.greekfruits.gr