The lack of Italian quantity and quality in their kiwis could prove a perfect opportunity for the kiwi growers in Greece. Despite only having a third of the acreage that Italy has, Greece is expecting a harvest of around 250,000 tons of kiwis, which is quite close to the expected Italian harvest.
According to Christos Mitrosilis, CEO of Mitrosilis SA, it’s been estimated that Greece will produce more than 250,000 tons of kiwis in the upcoming season. This estimation is pretty close to the truth: “Thanks to new plantations, brining us new trees, we’ve seen a constant growth in Greek kiwi production. This season, for Mitrosilis alone, we produced four million kilos of kiwi. Greek kiwi is already established its strength in the market and now with the lower volumes in Italian kiwi production, there are opportunities for the Greek growers, which we collaborate with, to focus on their cultivation and produce an even stronger product. The potentials are there. Greece has a good climate, an excellent soil, high level of know-how of the growers, which they are willing to succeed with the best cultivation methods. Our quality is good, prices are great and at the end we have some very happy growers. I expect volumes to increase even more over the next few years.”
Not just the quantity appears to be down, but Mitrosilis confirms the quality of the Italian kiwi is lower than usual as well. “The lower quantity and quality has made it so demand for Greek kiwis is increasing as well. Hopefully these new clients that try the Greek kiwi will decide to stick with our produce for future seasons. So far, the feedback from clients has been positive. For us, it means we have a chance to grow even more on a year-by-year basis, as well as offer even better service to our clients. For all in all, we want to strengthen our position in the international market.” Mitrosilis explains.
With Fruit Logistica coming up, Mitrosilis preparing to make the trip to Berlin. “We welcome anyone with interest in quality kiwis from Greece to our stand. We’re hoping to see a lot of our current clients, as well as introduce our produce to potential customers. We’re feeling good about the exhibition!” Mitrosilis concludes.
Mitrosilis SA will be exhibiting during Fruit Logistica, you can find them in Hall 2.1, booth E-01.
For more information:
Nikos Katsaloulis
Mitrosilis SA
Tel: +30 2752045000
Fax: +30 2752043036
Email: nikos.katsaloulis@mitrosilis.gr
www.mitrosilis.gr