The Greek watermelon season is in full swing. The volume of production is estimated to be a lot larger than in the previous season, which means that prices have come down.
“The first watermelons of this season were affected by the weather circumstances. In particular, there were large differences in temperature between day and night. This had an adverse affect on the development of the watermelons. But the weather has improved, so now we’re expecting fruit of excellent quality,” explains Panos Goumas of the Greek company Agrexpo S.A.
The main markets for export for Agrexpo are Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Germany and Poland. Prices around €0.18 to €0.22 a piece, which is a little lower than usual. Apart from the large volumes in Greece, demand in other markets hasn’t been as strong as could be due to interference from Italian competitors. Also, since the first batches of watermelons were of inferior quality, most consumers chose to ignore them at retailers. However, Panos is convinced that the superior quality of the volumes that are currently being processed will take care of this.
The main varieties that Agrexpo is focusing on is Dumara, which is otherwise known as Samantha and is exported to the markets of Germany and Slovakia. The category of smaller sizes is rather limited, but the volumes of bigger sizes have grown. As Germany and Slovakia prefer larger watermelons, this is a good thing. Poland and the Czech Republic on the other hand demand smaller melons with sizes between 5 to 10 kilograms.
“Our main competitor is Italy, but I think that the main factor of success depends on the prices in relation to the quality. If you’ve got the best quality at the best prices, you pretty much control the market,” explains Panos.
Potatoes
Apart from watermelons, Agrexpo also grows, buys and sells potatoes. The season of Kalamata started in April and ended in the middle of May. Most of the potatoes are sourced from regions in the western part of Greece, like Kalamata and Lakkopetra. The company exports the Spunta-variety in small to medium sizes of around 35 to 55 mm. The bulk of the volume is exported to Poland, followed by other Central European countries like Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. From April to July, the potatoes are also distributed to the domestic market.
“Potatoes are a product of great importance for Eastern Europe,” says Panos. “In April, we’re the only exporter with fresh potatoes, apart from other Greek competitors. This is a large advantage over other European growers. While those companies have potatoes in storage, most consumers prefer new, fresh potatoes.”
“The first watermelons of this season were affected by the weather circumstances. In particular, there were large differences in temperature between day and night. This had an adverse affect on the development of the watermelons. But the weather has improved, so now we’re expecting fruit of excellent quality,” explains Panos Goumas of the Greek company Agrexpo S.A.
The main markets for export for Agrexpo are Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Germany and Poland. Prices around €0.18 to €0.22 a piece, which is a little lower than usual. Apart from the large volumes in Greece, demand in other markets hasn’t been as strong as could be due to interference from Italian competitors. Also, since the first batches of watermelons were of inferior quality, most consumers chose to ignore them at retailers. However, Panos is convinced that the superior quality of the volumes that are currently being processed will take care of this.
The main varieties that Agrexpo is focusing on is Dumara, which is otherwise known as Samantha and is exported to the markets of Germany and Slovakia. The category of smaller sizes is rather limited, but the volumes of bigger sizes have grown. As Germany and Slovakia prefer larger watermelons, this is a good thing. Poland and the Czech Republic on the other hand demand smaller melons with sizes between 5 to 10 kilograms.
“Our main competitor is Italy, but I think that the main factor of success depends on the prices in relation to the quality. If you’ve got the best quality at the best prices, you pretty much control the market,” explains Panos.
Potatoes
Apart from watermelons, Agrexpo also grows, buys and sells potatoes. The season of Kalamata started in April and ended in the middle of May. Most of the potatoes are sourced from regions in the western part of Greece, like Kalamata and Lakkopetra. The company exports the Spunta-variety in small to medium sizes of around 35 to 55 mm. The bulk of the volume is exported to Poland, followed by other Central European countries like Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. From April to July, the potatoes are also distributed to the domestic market.
“Potatoes are a product of great importance for Eastern Europe,” says Panos. “In April, we’re the only exporter with fresh potatoes, apart from other Greek competitors. This is a large advantage over other European growers. While those companies have potatoes in storage, most consumers prefer new, fresh potatoes.”
For more information:
Panos Goumas
Agrexpo
Tel.: +30 27210 82149
Email: panos@agrexpo.gr
Web: www.agrexpo.gr
FB: www.facebook.com/agrexpo
Author: Yzza Ibrahim / Peter Duivenvoorde