With an imbalance between producer prices and international demand, the citrus season in Argolis, one of the main cultivation areas in Greece, has taken its first steps. These days, packers are buying fruits from the region at truck prices of €0,38–0,41 per kilo for Navelines and €0,65–0,70 for Clementines.
© Helmi King Fruit
"Producer prices are €0,05–0,10 higher than in Spain. At the same time, foreign demand is quite sluggish, making it difficult for Greek packers to pass these prices on to their buyers. So far, we have offered open prices to our regular, trusted buyers, wholesalers in Poland and Romania, while we have also sent our offers for various programs," notes Mr. Giorgos Ntokos, president of Helmi King Fruit in Argolis.
© Helmi King Fruit
Fruit availability is limited at the start of the season. "These days, harvesting in Argolis is happening only in the higher-altitude orchards because only these have the proper Brix for correct de-greening. At Helmi King Fruit, we work with 12 Brix to deliver the right product. In the lowland orchards, Brix is still at 10. We estimate that by November 15, it will rise to 12 there as well. Of course, it needs to be cold at night. Still, since we are talking about New Hall, which has a different peel quality, the de-greening period will also drop from three 24-hour cycles to two. Along with the arrival of quantities from Agrinio and Pyrgos, the flow of product will accelerate," says Mr. Ntokos.
© Helmi King Fruit
Production in Argolis this year will be limited and small-fruited throughout the season. "The production we are receiving is 30% lower than last year. We expect the same for the upcoming varieties as well. These are the Nova mandarins and Merlin oranges. Also, sizes of 63–77 mm are prevailing. I don't think the sizes will improve significantly in the near future. In any case, by December 15, the need for de-greening will end," concludes the Greek exporter.
© Helmi King Fruit
For more information:
Giorgos Ntokos
Helmi King Fruit
Tel: +30 275 107 7221
Email: [email protected]
https://www.helmikingfruit.gr/
