The Valencia orange market is developing favorably for Greek fruits at the end of August. "Overall, it has been a good growth season for our company, and we expect to have sold about 25.000 tons of all citrus by October, both to domestic and international markets. Valencia oranges constitute the core of our summer business, and sales are performing satisfactorily," notes Mr. George Mpekiaris, co-owner of Sparta Valley Fruits, a citrus packing company from Laconia, Greece.
© Sparta Valley Fruits
As Mr. Mpekiaris describes: "There is a good balance between demand and supply, while market preferences and local production characteristics also align in calibers 4, 5, and 6. The average grower price stands at 0,50 euros/kg, while the deviation among the various quality levels differs by two or three cents up or down. For organic Valencia, growers are being paid 0,70 euros/kg. Large sales of local oranges to supermarket chains have ended since late July due to a lack of volume. Currently, we are focused on supplying wholesalers."
Egyptian oranges were available until the end of July, but that does not mean that competition for Greek late oranges is also over. "There is pressure coming from South Africa. First-quality loads of South African oranges are sold at 1,05 to 1,10 euros/kg. Second-quality is sold at 1,00 euros/kg. The appearance of South African oranges is really very attractive, better than ours, but Valencia oranges from Laconia have no rival in juice content, which is 55%," the Greek merchant says.
© Sparta Valley Fruits
Sparta Valley Fruits engages in the citrus trade all year round. The first fruits of the new season will be lemons from Aigio. "We will receive our first lemons from Aigio by the end of September. We see good quality compared to last season. The next product will be Clementines from Argos in late October. There is a significant production decrease in this zone of major significance. Nova mandarins in Argos and Laconia will also be fewer this season. Navelina harvest in Argos will decrease as well, but not as much as in the case of Clementines. I calculate the production decrease at 20%, due to spring precipitation and constant temperature fluctuations," Mr. Mpekiaris concludes.
For more information:
George Mpekiaris
Sparta Valley Fruits
Tel: +30 273 102 0206
Mob: +30 694 417 9949
[email protected]
www.spartavalleyfruits.gr/index-en.html
