The new Greek table grape season has begun in Crete over the past few days. Weather conditions have been favorable for the new crop, and the grapevines are showing promising prospects. "Today, Thursday, the weather is quite warm, at 38 degrees Celsius, but this is not harmful to our grapes, given that an optimal growing season preceded it. Furthermore, our company has taken special care to keep our vineyards protected from the sun in order to safeguard their quality to the highest degree," explains Mr. Dimitris Koufozisis, owner of Cretan Root, from his Prime vineyard, where the harvest is underway.
© Cretan Root
"We are seeing hectare yields at normal levels for both Prime and Starlight grapes. This means about 15–20 tons per hectare. Sales to Germany, England, the Netherlands, and Eastern Europe have already begun. Demand is satisfying, and despite the price pressure we are encountering there—due to the abundant supply from Spanish, Italian, and Egyptian production—the prices received by local growers have reached good levels. "We cannot compete with these three countries in terms of volume. What makes Cretan grapes stand out compared to theirs is the greater extent of manual labor applied. Manual care results in superior quality compared to mechanical cultivation," stresses the Cretan entrepreneur.
© Cretan Root
Mr. Koufozisis emphasizes that the season's peak will arrive in about 15 days: "Our supply will increase by mid-July. We will have more Prime and Starlight grapes available, and the Superior variety will also become available. Furthermore, the harvest of our early Bloom Fresh varieties will begin on July 20 with Sweet Celebration, followed shortly by Sweet Globe. We are the exclusive partner of Bloom Fresh in Crete, cultivating and selling its varieties. We lead a producers' group of 80 members, who also plant the late varieties of Bloom Fresh."
© Cretan Root
Finally, the principal variety of Crete, Sultanina (Thompson Seedless), will hit the shelves in early August. "It seems that the Sultanina season will also be marked by a good crop. The grapes are in good condition, and the outlook is promising," the Cretan entrepreneur concludes.
For more information:
Dimitris Koufozisis
Cretan Root
Tel: +30 2810 321 486
Email: [email protected]
