The tourist season reaches its peak in Greece in August, and this is also reflected in the activities of local wholesale businesses. Mr. Arsenis Loukis, owner of the company Arsenis from Paros, one of the most touristic islands of the Cyclades, describes the situation as follows: "The tourist season starts at Easter and ends with the arrival of October. However, in July and August, operations are running at full speed."
© Arsenis
Mangoes grown in Paros
Paros is an arid island where many fruits cannot be cultivated: "We cooperate with wholesalers in Athens and importers for many fruits and vegetables to meet local demand, as we supply more than 100 hotels, restaurants, and cafés. We also supply the supermarket chains operating on our island, although only for part of their products. However, we do not notice any difference in the quality of the products ordered by catering establishments and retail shops," notes the Greek trader.
© Arsenis
Prickly pears from the orchards of Arsenis in Paros
As he describes: "Exotics, apples, oranges, lemons, peaches, and nectarines are in high demand, but the season is difficult for stone fruits. Products are scarce, expensive, and there is financial hardship. In the past, there was a lot of undeclared money circulating in the market. Now this has been reduced, and this, too, intensifies the economic complaints."
© Arsenis
Pomegranates from the orchards of Arsenis in Paros
However, Arsenis also carries out its own production of a range of summer fruits, with which it not only supplies its customers on the island but also sends part of them to the Athens Central Fruit and Vegetable Market. "At the moment, we are harvesting from 6 hectares of our own pomegranates. We also currently have our own figs and prickly pears, while in winter we support our sales, which are much lower compared to the summer, with our own oranges and lemons."
What is surprising, however, is that mangoes and papayas are cultivated on the island of Paros. "They are grown by a local producer in greenhouses. The papaya season has ended, while the mango season is ongoing. It is truly a surprise for people to find local mangoes, and the market prefers them. Of course, the needs are supplemented with imported products, but we also send the mango from Paros to the Athens Central Fruit and Vegetable Market," Mr. Loukis emphasizes.
For more information:
Arsenis Loukis
Arsenis
Tel: +30 2284 055 015
Email: [email protected]
