Greek broccoli grower enjoys increased popularity

Five years ago Markos Sapountzoglou started his broccoli farm and today he is the largest broccoli farmer in Greece. In a Greek magazine he recently was chosen as 'Grower of the year'. Markos: "With our broccoli we supply large supermarkets in Greece like Lidl and Delhaize, but we also export to the Balkan countries and Eastern Europe. In 2014 an average of 70% of the crops were for the local market.

Competition keeps you on your toes
The entire acreage is 80 hectares; broccoli is grown on 70 hectares and on the other 10 other crops like cauliflower, broccolini, savoy cabbage, romanesco broccoli, and melon. Harvesting takes place over the entire year, except for July and August, it is too warm during these months to grow the crops. "The flavour of our broccoli is exceptional and we cultivate our crops while using as little pesticides as possible," tells Markos. "I like broccoli myself because it is tasty and healthy. And you really notice that broccoli has become more popular the last few years. These are some of the reasons I started growing it."

Markos Sapountzoglou during the Greek exhibition Freskon

In the winter he keeps on cultivating the broccoli. "The mild winters in Greece are suitable for outdoor farming. This winter the weather was less mild and the yield bit was disappointing." He agrees that there certainly is competition in this field, but he is happy with that. "Competition keeps you on your toes and you keep on innovating." He has a good feeling about the future. "Every year our volumes increase, I expect to double the production in four years. The prices don’t make it easy, but over the entire year we have a nice balance between high and low prices. It is important to keep distinguishing yourself."

For more information:
Markos Sapountzoglou
Dytiko, Pella 58005 - Greece
Phone-Fax: (0030) 23820 93307
info@broccoli.gr
markos.sapountzoglou@gmail.com
www.broccoli.gr