The season for Cretan avocados is entering its final phase, with exporters now focusing on the Hass variety. Mr. Antonis Kokkalakis, owner of Agrocreta, states: "The green avocados are coming to an end with the last fruits of the Fuerte variety. We are now concentrating on the Hass, for which there are still three to four weeks left. This year, our company's volumes have increased by about 20%. The production of Hass is satisfactory, although the trees are producing smaller fruits this year, possibly due to local water shortages. Normally, we aim to have the majority of our fruits in the 16 to 22 categories, but this year the average size of Hass production consists of sizes 20 and 26. This obviously limits the number of customers we can target."
© Agrocreta
"There is some pressure on producer prices, but the growing consumption trend keeps prices at good levels," comments the Greek businessman. However, the Hass avocado season is always different from the green avocado season for Cretan exporters, which are targeted at the Greek and Balkan markets. Mr. Kokkalakis explains the differences and how his company handles them: "Greek consumers are used to green avocados, although slowly and steadily they are learning to consume Hass as well. The same applies to consumers in the rest of the Balkans. They prefer green avocados. For us, the way we manage the product is also important. We do not want flash openings in markets that prefer Hass, but stable partnerships with long-term prospects."
© Agrocreta
Avocados are among the fruits that continue to see a steady growth trend in plantings every year in Crete. According to Mr. Kokkalakis, Cretan avocados are also increasingly gaining credibility in foreign markets: "We supply the market with oranges as well, but for us, avocados are our main product. Our company oversees a group of 80 avocado producers certified with Global GAP, who follow clear guidelines for their cultivation. We have been involved in avocado exports for the past 6-7 years, and each year we see fewer discussions and 'wars' over their selling prices. Foreign buyers are increasingly recognizing the quality of Cretan avocados."
For more information:
Antonis Kokkalakis
Agrocreta
Tel: +30 28210 78801
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
https://www.agrocreta.gr/
