Italy and Greece cultivate the same kiwi variety and Gualtiero Rivoira (in the photo) from the Rivoira group fears they will have to deal with oversupply.
"Russia absorbed significant volumes of Greek kiwis, around 30% of its exports, so there is the risk that this produce will now enter the European and Mediterranean markets. Italian and Greek kiwis are very similar, and the latter are sold at highly competitive prices."
According to Rivoira, the worst months will be November, December and January. "The expected 25/30% increase in production and the fact that Greece has no big stocking facilities means that exporters will want to sell their produce quickly. Their competition will be felt particularly in markets that usually absorb particular grades/categories."
In addition, another problem is represented by the difference between producer purchasing prices and possible sale prices. "The lack of supply from Chile and the early end of the New Zealand season led to high prices. Now the exporters will have to see how the market will repay the investments."
Luckily for Gruppo Rivoira, the destination markets for Kiwi Uno are diversified - Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brazil, Arab countries and China. "Some markets are already fully developed but others, such as China, show great potential."
"Harvesting is starting this week and we feel the campaign will continue to May/June 2015. In 2013, we invested to renovate our warehouse and are now able to store fruit up to 7-8 months."
One last comment on bacteriosis: "our region was particularly affected because of the cold weather, though a couple of years ago things looked much worse. It seems that we have learned how to live with it, although we will have to see how things will evolve in the next couple of years."
Contacts:
Rivoira Giovanni & Figli S.p.A.
Via Pomarolo, 88
12039 Verzuolo (CN) - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 0175 280800
Fax: (+39) 0175 280850
Email: info@rivoira.it
Web: www.rivoira.it