JUNE_UK

Froutonea



Kefalinias 6 | 183 45 Moschato
Athens - Greece
Τ +30 210 4812212
F +30 210 4827089
[email protected]
www.froutonea.gr

Ownership
G. Orfanou & Co
Editor-Manager
Panagiotis Orfanos
Editor staff
Anna Makrigiorgou
Fotis Karabetsos
DTP
Yiorgos Vergouliades
Cover design
Aris Betchavas
Subscriptions
Christina Andreakou




ADVERTISED COMPANIES

COMPANY PAGE
IMATHIA’S AG. COOP 1ST cover
ΤΕΧ 1
ACN NAOUSSA 3
A.C EPISKOPI 7
POLITIS 9
ACN NAOUSSA 13
HELLAGRO 15
GEOFROUTA 19
SOULIS 21
AGROLAB 23 Peaches:
NOVATEC 25 Another bad year in progress…
MENELAOS 27 Cherries:
INTERN. APPLE CON. 3rd cover They have found their way at last!
VELVITA Back cover Almonds:
Vertical fall of production in Tempi
Watermelons:
The traders worry about the lack of trucks
Grapes:
Estimations about a good season
A late season for tomatoes



4 FRESHLETTER wwww


















PRODUCTS











The bad weather conditions during the past spring caused problems
to almost all products and as result the trade will not be really favorable.
The news about Greek summer products is the following:


Peaches: The offer is now high, the prices really low and the
consumption not very satisfying. The sizes of fruit are too small
and this way the markets that are absorbing the small sizes
are not many. This is the reason why the good quality peaches
lose ground too.

Nectarines: Things are better for nectarines, which enjoy higher
prices than those of peaches, so there aren’t any special
difficulties
in their trade in the markets.


Apricots: Apricots had a very bad beginning, due to the late
season of the early varieties, something that led to a huge
offer of aprictos in the market and the fall of their prices.

Watermenlons: Things are similar for watermelons too,
as the low temperatures until June did not help
the consumption of watermelons and their prices
were not good enough.

Cherries: Things are good for cherries, as this category
of fruit is really wanted the period we are going through.

Grapes: In a few weeks the first grapes will be
in the market. The season is quite good and late,
something that does not seem to bother the sector.


Tomatoes: Last but not least, the offer of tomatoes
will be low from mid July till mid August,
as the season of tomatoes is really late this year
and its cultivation reaches low levels as well.





JUNE 2019

wwww


















ÒCherries




THEY HAVE



FOUND THEIR WAY…







The high temperatures of the summer and the beginning of the
harvest of new cherry varieties helped the trade of cherries get
better and the demand for Greek cherries is really high during June.




We are going through week 24 and the their reputation in European Markets.
trade of cherries has got better. May has
been really cruel for Greek cherries as the The trade
damages from hail and rainfalls were many Greek traders may not gave a lot of
to producers and traders of the product. Of attention at the varieties harvested in
course all the above did not surprise the May, but this did not happen with the
cherry sector, as bad weather conditions traders from the Balcans, who came
during May and June affect badly the themselves in the country and especially
product almost every single year. in the areas of Pella and Imathia and
So now the question is if this situation imported lots of cherry quantities right
can get better and how. This question from the cultivated areas. Lots of vans
is answered by professor Athanasios from Romania mainly arrived at the above
Molasiotis, through his interview, which areas and loaded quantities of cherries
you will be able to read in the following paying for the products in cash. According
pages. to information of ours, 300 tons of cherries
At this point we must note down that were sold daily.
most traders, knowing that the quality of
really early cherry varieties in May was What comes next
not the expected one, did not send many Regarding the following weeks, weather
quantities abroad as this would affect seems to decide what will happen. If we
do not have bad weather conditions, as
Regarding the following weeks, weather seems hailstorms and rainfalls then things will
continue to go well and the producer
to decide what will happen. If we do not have prices will reach high levels. Let’s note at
bad weather conditions, as hailstorms and rainfalls this point that the trade of Greek cherries
will be influenced by the beginning of
then things will continue to go well and the producer harvest in the other European countries
prices will reach high levels and Turkey.

T.O


JUNE 2019

6 FRESHLETTER







“THE ROAD FOR THE GREEK CHERRY


CULTIVATION LEADS SOUTH”



The prospects of cultivating cherries in the southern areas of
Greece are discussed by Mr. Thanasis Molaziotis, Associate Profes-
sor of Arboriculture at the Agronomist Department of Agriculture
of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, considering that it is the
factor that can decisively help in the competition with the other
productive countries.









THANASIS MOLASSIOTIS


ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR,
AGRONOMIST DEPARTMENT
OF THE ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY
OF THESSALONIKI



Mr. Molassiotis, again it turned out
that May is a very difficult month for
cherries, as the rains destroyed most
of the crop, which was ready for
harvest. What, is the solution for this
problem? ultra-early varieties of cherry, could
Indeed, the Spring rains and the cracking be relocated in the southern regions
of the fruits are a major problem, especially of the country. Is this possible?
for the early varieties. Unfortunately, the Yes - and this is the big challenge
problem is difficult to tackle, as cracking is for Greek cherry cultivation. The great
a characteristic of the cherry anatomy and advantage of our country in cherry is
biology. It easily cracks when it receives the light earlier production (mid-May)
water from rain or even when it is in a high compared to northern Europe, which brings
humidity environment. The cherry is subject the special high prices. This advantage can
The basic solutions to the problem to major global changes, become even more powerful and more
are two, special protection membranes profitable when the crop goes down to the
and resistant varieties. In the first case, both in productive South.
although there is a major technological
development, they cannot be a universal (eg varieties, shaping In such a case, which varieties
solution to the problem as they are only systems) and in the and which rootstocks would be
for dense planting orchards. As far as appropriate?
varieties are concerned, although there commercial sector To make this possible, I think it is
has been considerable work, there is not important to use varieties that will be
yet a proven early variety with cracking (eg transport, packaging) premature and at the same time they
resistance. should have low winter chill requirements
to stop their lethargy. I believe, however,
Some people say that, among other that there are the appropriate varieties
solutions, the cultivation of early and and with the appropriate experimentation,



JUNE 2019

they can be successfully used for this task. have there been any changes in both
In any case, we are talking about dense the productive and the commercial
plantings, and I think that rootstocks with sectors?
the characteristics of Gisela 5, should be The cherry is subject to major global
excluded because they are not suitable for changes, both in productive (eg varieties,
warm environments. The most important shaping systems) and in the commercial
sector (eg transport, packaging). It should
Do you know if other productive structural problem be noted that while there are favorable
countries of Europe have made in the Greek cherry prospects for the cultivation of cherries
similar moves, that is, putting crops in our country, at the same time there are
in more southern regions? production chain lies in the significant productive problems in relation
Yes, there are successful examples, with to the development of cherry production
more typical that of Spain, where in areas difficulty of incorporating science and technology in the international
of the country which are northern compared field - especially in relation to competing
to those of the southern Greece, are being new technology, capable countries (eg Turkey , Italy). The most
cultivated early, covered cherries. They to face critical pre-collector important structural problem in the Greek
are harvested in March with satisfactory cherry production chain lies in the difficulty
characteristics (> 14º Brix ≥ 32 mm Ø) and and post-harvest crop of incorporating new technology, capable
ther are sold at very high prices. to critical pre-collector and post-harvest
problems, as well as crop problems, as well as problems in
It has been around five years harvesting and preserving fruit. But, after
since the first International Cherry problems in harvesting all, I think that cherry will be the crop that
Conference at FRESKON. Since then, and preserving fruit will surprise us positively in the future.














Excellent quality fresh fruits all over the year
The propitious climate in combination with a great agricultural tradition, conteporary farming technology and our experience,
help us provide fruits which stand out for their exceptional appearance, ne aroma and delicious taste.























Episkopi - Anthemia (Naoussa - Greece) P.C. 59200Episkopi - Anthemia (Naoussa - Greece) P.C. 59200
tel. +30 23320 44494, +30 23320 44770, fax +30 23320 44900tel. +30 23320 44494, +30 23320 44770, fax +30 23320 44900
email: [email protected]: [email protected]



JUNE 2019

8 FRESHLETTER








“THE CHERRY SEASON IS TERRIBLE

FOR PRODUCERS AND TRADERS”



The constant rainfalls and hail that took place in Pella and Imathia
damaged severely the cherry cultivations, according to Mr. Ilias
Anastasiadis, Agronomist of Balakanakis Bros, who notes down
that the offer has been really unstable lately.










ILIAS ANASTASIADIS

AGRONOMIST
OF “BALAKANAKIS BROS”





Mr. Anastasiadis, things were not the
expected ones in May as far as the
production of cherries is concerned.
What went wrong and what must be
done?
The weather conditions were really
awful. The early varieties are always hit by
rain and hail, but this year things got worse
than any other year. The solution is one:
the cultivations must be covered. There
is a programme by ELGA that should be in
progress, but nothing has been done yet.
We have been having
What are your estimations about the problems with the harvest
current season?
We have been having problems with of cherries, due to hail
the harvest of cherries, due to hail and and rain. I cannot say what
rain. I cannot say what is going to happen
next, but since the middle of June 30% of is going to happen next,
the total cherry production in the areas
of Pella and Imathia has been lost. Also, but since the middle After a year like this, what are your
the damages are quite severe at the area of June 30% of the total conclusions for the coming one?
of Tirnavos. As far as producer prices are The conclusion is one and only: we
concerned, they are really satisfying and cherry production in the must cover our cultivated areas with nets
reach 1,50 -2 euros /kilo. so that we protect them. If we don’t do
areas of Pella and Imathia that, then all we are left with is hopes for
When do you estimate that the season has been lost. Also, the good weather. I must also note down that
will be over? without ELGA’s funding it is impossible
I think all cherry varieties will have been damages are quite severe for the producers to cover the costs by
harvested until 15-20 of July. themselves.
at the area of Tirnavos




JUNE 2019



10 FRESHLETTER






ÒPeaches




ANOTHER BAD YEAR IN PROGRESS…









































The season of peaches did not begin well as the demand has not been satisfying and as a result the
prices have already reached low levels. If we also add the damages from hail to the above then we all
understand that things are not good for the cultivations of Northern Greece.



We are going through week 24, the This season of peaches more have abandoned their land. As a
second week of June, and the trade of in Greece has been late, result, we can assume that the good
peaches cannot get worse. The causes for quality peaches are not many this season
this situation are many, so let’s see the when at the same time and they have lots of quality problems.
main ones:
Spain was early. This was The weather: This season
Low quality: As the producers have of peaches has been late,
noticed from the beginning of the harvest something that benefited when at the same time
in Northern Greece, the quality of fruit is the producers in Spain, Spain was early. This
not the expected one. The small calibers of was something that
fruit are more this year in comparison with who managed to set benefited the producers
last year and many areas of Imathia and in Spain, who managed
Pella have been affected by hailstorms. the prices of the product to set the prices of the
So, the fruit from these areas have a lot product for at least two
of quality problems. Moreover, manty for at least two weeks weeks and work with
producers have not protected their as many European
cultivated areas this season and many super markets



JUNE 2019

chains as they wanted. At the same time As the producers have noticed from the beginning of the
the low temperatures that took place
during spring affected the maturation of harvest in Northern Greece, the quality of fruit is not the
the fruit and made the demand for peaches expected one. The small calibers of fruit are more this year in
reach low levels.
comparison with last year and many areas of Imathia and Pella
The demand: It has been proven so far
that the consumers prefer nectarines to have been affected by hailstorms
peaches at the beginning of the season.
This was proven again this season too,
as nectarines are highly consumed and at
the same time the demand for peaches is
a disaster. Lots of forums have mentioned
this “phenomenon” and also the thing that
it is the variety of peach that affects the
demand for the fruit.
The offer: During the last years there
have been many plantings of peach trees,
especially as far as the early varieties
are concerned and as a result the offer
of peaches during the first weeks of the
season is big. As we all know, when the
offer surpasses the demand then the
prices of the product fall. This is exactly
what has happened in peaches and there
are many producers that talk about taking
their trees off ground as long as they are
compensated first.

Unbalanced trade: The trade of The conclusion
peaches as in many other categories of fruit
is unbalanced nowadays and as a result Based on all the above, we can understand that the collapse of the peach
there are is not a healthy competition. sector is based on a lot of factors. We cannot turn back time to fix some of
those and wer must always think what we are going to do from now on. In a
Many products are exported right few days the harvest of peaches will start on the mountainous areas, which
from the field itself, with no means that the offer will be big in the following weeks. What seems to worry
invoices or certification Greek traders is the fact that the calibers are small, the quality is too low and
papers. Moreover the day by day the stocks of peaches get bigger and bigger and as a result the
collapse of agricultural prices will be lower for one more season this year.
cooperatives, due to huge
taxes, has affected the
trade of peaches too Now what?
and the private sector
does not want to deal The producers of peaches face another difficult year in the areas of Imathia,
with the trade of this Pella and Tirnavos. The costs are too high and it seems that many more
product as the risk is will give up on their peach cultivations. The producers cannot pay for the
huge and the profit is necessary cultivation care of their land, so that they produce high quality
not much. products. This happens not only in the peach sector but also in many other
Τ.Ο. products and things seem to be getting worse.



JUNE 2019

12 FRESHLETTER





































“PRICES OF GREEK PEACHES ARE LOWER CHRISTOS GIANNAKAKIS


20%, IN COMPARSION WITH LAST YEAR” PRESIDENT OF ASSOCIATION
OF IMATHIA’S AGRICULTURAL
COOPERATIVES


Mr. Christos Giannakakis, President of Association of Imathia’s Agricultural Cooperatives, claims that
there are problems regarding the trade of peaches from the beginning of the season, due to low prices
and consumption.


Mr. Giannakakis, what are the first throw a part of their production volumes.
estimations for the new season of
peaches? What has Spain done?
The weather has caused lots of problems The Spanish peach sector decided at
to the cultivation of Greek stonefruit. Even Φέτος αντιμετωπίζουμε the beginning of June to have around
though the weather conditions are getting διάφορα προβλήματα όσον 30.000 tons of peach available for the juice
better nobody can be certain what comes industry.
next. The main characteristic of the new αφορά στους εποχικούς
season of peaches is the small size of fruit. Are you thinking of following Spain’s
The overall production volume seems to εργάτες. Καταρχήν, αρκετοί example?
be higher 15-20%, in comparison with last We have planned some meetings with
year, but things are not going well as far as είναι οι νέοι στην ευρύτερη the Government to see what comes next.
the trade is concerned. We hope we find an effective solution so
περιοχή της Ημαθίας, that our quantities are not lost again.
Do you think that the production will που παίρνουν κοινωνικά
not be absorbed by the markets? Another problem you are dealing with
Exactly. This is my main fear. Prices επιδόματα από το Κράτος, is lack of workers at the peach fields.
are lower than last year and it is only the What are you planning to do for that?
beginning of the season. This is something με αποτέλεσμα να μην The truth is that this year we are
that characterizes not only our country but έρχονται να δουλέψουν dealing with lots of problems as far as
the European countries as well. This is why our workers are concerned. First of all,
other countries such as Spain decided to στα κτήματα there are lots of young people at the area
take control of the situation, in order not to of Imathia who have some social benefits
from the government, who refuse to come


JUNE 2019

and work at our land.As a result, we do not have workers for
the cultivated areas. On the other hand, there are Albanian
workers who come to Greece with a three month visa to work
in Greece, without having a legal working card. We have had so
many meetings so far, but nothing good has come out of this.
The current period this problem is huge and the size of the fruit
is so small, because the number of workers is not enough so
that the necessary work is done at the fields.
Closing the interview, could you talk to us about the
season of industrial peach?
Yes, the season starts with around 60.000 tons of peach from
last year. The overall production volume of industrial peach is
higher 30%, in comparison with last year and it reaches 400.000
tons. Nevertheless, we are still at the beginning of the season
and whatever we are saying might change in a moment.


The Spanish peach sector decided

at the beginning of June to have
around 30.000 tons of peach available
for the juice industry

















































JUNE 2019

14 FRESHLETTER









“THE LACK OF WORKERS AT THE CULTIVATIONS

OF INDUSTRIAL PEACH IS BIGGER THAN EVER”




The season of industrial peach will be a week late this year, in com-
parison with last season and if the weather conditions are normal
the harvest will begin during the first week of July. According to Mr.
Stelios Theodoulidis, General Manager of Venus Growers.



STELIOS THEODOULIDIS

GENERAL MANAGER
OF VENUS GROWERS



Mr. Theodoulidis, what stocks from
last season does the new one start
with?
Last season was not the one we
had expected, as the constant rainfalls
provoked diseases at the plants. Diseases
that caused quality problems too.
Regarding the stocks from last year, they
are around 60.000 tons.
led to smaller sizes of fruit. I also think that
As far as the new season is concerned, the number of workers is smaller than any
which are your first estimations about other year before. We cannot find workers
the area of Imathia? to harvest our trees. The ones from Albania
This year the weather continues to So far everything shows are not many so we try to seek new ones
be unpredictable for all categories of and especially refugees.
stonefruit in Imathia. The rainfalls and that the prices will be
hailstorms that lasted until June caused Closing the interview, can you
problems at the cultivations. So far, we slightly higher than last year. make estimation about the prices of
see fruit on the trees, but we cannot Nevertheless, the production industrial peach?
say something with certainty until the So far everything shows that the prices
beginning of the harvest. The only thing I volume will have the first will be slightly higher than last year.
can assure you is that the season is late Nevertheless, the production volume will
for about a week this year, in comparison word. If the weather does have the first word. If the weather does
with last year and everything shows that not ruin our plans then I think that our
the harvest will begin during the first week not ruin our plans then predictions will be accurate.
of July.
I think that our predictions
Is there something that you are will be accurate The plantings
worried about? According to Mr. Theodoulidis,
Yes, the calibers of fruit are too small
this season, due to the bad weather. the plantations of industrial
Moreover, we have a huge lack of workers
and as a result there haven’t been the peach trees cover around
necessary cultivating cares on the trees. In
my opinion, that is another reason that has 19.000 -20.000 hectares


JUNE 2019



16 FRESHLETTER








ÒApricots





ALL EYES ON BEBEKOU VARIETY!




All eyes are on Bebekou variety, with all the producers in Korinthia and Argolida saying that the main
characteristic of the season is the small caliber of fruit.






























The harvest for Bebekou apricots began The low prices for Bebekou Low production volume
at mid-June in the production areas of of Bebekou in Chalkidiki
Peloponnesus and the quantities are lower apricots during the last In previous articles, we had mentioned
than the ones of last year, due to the that the production of Bebekou has losses
constant rainfalls in the area. years seem to make many in the region of Chalkidiki. The harvest of
As far as the producer prices are producers give up on the the variety began at mid-June, but the hail
concerned, they reach low levels and the that followed two days after destroyed all
producers are disappointed and worried cultivation and select other the remained quantities.
about the future of the variety. More
specifically, the prices for the industry of products to cultivate The other varieties
jam reach 0,27 euros/kilo and those for Regarding the rest of the varieties, their
industrial juice 0,12-0,15 euros/kilo. One prices are really low, due to big quantities in
of this season’s characteristics is the thing the market. More specifically, the producer
that the representatives do not seem really prices for the red fleshed varieties reach
interested in absorbing the quantities and 0,70-0,80 euros/kilo from the end of May
this is according to the producers an effort since now, whereas the price for Tirinthos
of the industry to make the prices fall even variety reaches 0,60-0,70 euros/kilo.
more. The domestic consumption is low too,
The low prices for Bebekou apricots but the exports do better and prove right
during the last years seem to make many the traders who claim that all products
producers give up on the cultivation and should be exported in order they do better
select other products to cultivate. in the market.





JUNE 2019

“THE SEASON GOES WELL,

BUT IT ALL DEPENDS ON JULY”



With modest optimism about the current season of French apricot
speaks at Froutonea Mrs. Sabine Alary, Chief Executive Officer of
the French Apricot Interprofessional Organization, SIPMM Abri-
cot. As she notes, Spanish production and the state of the markets
in July will judge whether there will eventually be a positive out-
come for the French entrepreneurs.



FRANCE

SABINE ALARY

CEO, SIPMM ABRICOT - FRANCE





Mrs Alary, Europech speaks of a
significant increase in the French
apricot produce this year. The
evolution of the season so far confirms
this assessment?
Yes, the season is progressing very French apricots and how much of
positively and hassle-free. In the end, the production is consumed within
perhaps, apricot produce may be slightly France?
larger than initial estimates. About 80% of French apricots are
steadily heading in the internal market,
How is the quality of the produce so This year’s French apricot while our exports typically account for
far? 14% of our production. As far as the main
In some areas we had some small production is undoubtedly foreign markets, Germany always stands
fruit, but basically we have not had any large and of great quality out, and this year we expect to increase
problems. So I would characterize the our exports to Italy.
quality of our production as absolutely
satisfactory. Given the circumstances, could you
make an estimate of the prospect of
At what level do prices fluctuate and the apricot market as we are entering
how are they compared to last year? deep into the summer?
Generally speaking, I would say that I cannot say many things. Everything will
they are at the same level as last year, be greatly influenced by Spain as usual.
perhaps slightly lower. Specifically, for the However, for the French branch of apricot,
A’ quality, prices range from € 1.20 per kilo which is starting to rise in the harvest from
to AA’ quality at € 1.80 per kilo. mid-June and to finish in mid-August, the
market is crucial in July, because then our
Which are the main markets for production is at its peak.



JUNE 2019

18 FRESHLETTER








ÒWatermelons






THE LACK OF TRUCKS CREATES DIFFICULTIES




The season of watermelons seems to be difficult for the sector, due to the lack of trucks, which carry
the fruit to European markets.




































Every year Greek traders of watermelons In conclusion, if the with the fruit travel from Greece to Europe,
deal with the lack of trucks that use but if they do not find loads to come back
to export their quantities abroad and representatives of the sector they never do. They stay abroad and as a
especially to the markets of Central and result Greek traders cannot find a way to
Northern Europe. postpone their talks send their quantities to Europe. As a result
Tis problem is more intense this season the prices of fruit collapse and the season
as according to traders from Messinia and then the problem will is destroyed. The problem has been severe
Ilia claim that even though the demand for become bigger and it will lately and the fact that a solution is not
watermelons is huge at the moment they found worries the sector. To problem gets
cannot find the adequate number of trucks. not be controlled in the future worse year by year, given the fact that
This is why they are worried that the prices many transport companies have closed
of the product will reach really low levels and as a result the number of trucks is
in the following weeks, if the problem is small.
not solved.
What the solutions are…
The problem The season of watermelon is in progress
The situation is well known at the sector and the sector agrees that an effective
of watermelons. Every year the trucks load solution must be found so that the problem



JUNE 2019

is vanished. The season
One solution that some traders suggest The high temperatures help the
is containers by sea especially for Northern consumption of watermelon rise in Greece
Europe. Nevertheless, the traders admit and European markets. According to the
that this might be a solution to the problem traders in the area, Even though the
but the costs and the time need for those cultivating hectares are higher than the
exports are huge. ones last year, the production volume will
A second solution that most traders be lower 30%, because of the bad weather
claim that could work is the railway. that has hit the fruit.
Greek watermelons could find their way to The limited quantities have led to higher
Europe if they get there by train. It is an producer prices, which by the way reach
example that France follows successfully 0,25 euros/kilo -0,40 euros/kilo.
and could solve our problem too. Traders Regarding the season in the area of
say that this solution has been on the Messinia, the production is in full swing
table for many years now, but nobody has as so far 60% of the overall volume has
done something so that the idea becomes been harvested. The production volume in
action. Messinia is lowers 25-30%, I comparison
In conclusion, if the representatives of with last year, even though the cultivating
the sector postpone their talks then the hectares were the same as last year.
problem will become bigger and it will not
be controlled in the future.























HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS

RESPECT TO THE CONSUMER
















G.AGGELOPOULOS-D.AGGELOPOULOU
IMPORTS-EXPORTS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
61 KLM PATRA-PYRGOS LEHAINA,ILIA 27053
Tel: +30 26230 29171, 24340 / mob: 6972 837 080, 6979 117 108 / e-mail: [email protected]


JUNE 2019

20 FRESHLETTER









“THE PRICES OF WATERMELON ARE GOOD,

DUE TO LOW PRODUCTION VOLUMES”




The demand for watermelons has been so far so good in the do-
mestic and European markets, due to high temperatures lately,
says Mrs. Sissy Papadopoulou, Export Manager of Papadopoulos
Company in Trifilia of Messinia.











SISSY PAPADOPOULOU

EXPORT MANAGER
OF PAPADOPOULOS COMPANY





Mrs. Papadopoulou, is the current
season of watermelons going well? the way it should so that the cultivation
The weather caused difficulties at the expands. Η συγκομιδή στα μίνι καρπούζια
watermelon’s cultivation this season θα ξεκινήσει γύρω στις 15 Ιουνίου. I am
and as a result we had to throw some certain that if the sector invests in this
quantities away that did not have category, mini watermelons will rise.
good quality. Nevertheless, this year’s We are dealing again with
production volume is lower 25-30%, in Let’s talk about exports. What do you
comparison with last year and so far 60% the lack of trucks that take think of them this season?
of the total volume has been harvested in The exports of Greek quantities began
the area of Trifilia. our products to Europe. If this year and lots of quantities have
we do not find trucks for already been sent to Central, Northern
What about the producer prices? and Eastern Europe. June is an important
It depends on the variety. On average, our products, the prices will
the producer prices reach 0,30 euros/kilo month for us as at the beginning of July
-0,40 euros/kilo. In general, the prices are collapse again this year due the production of watermelon begins in the
satisfying for the sector this year. above countries so our exports begin to be
to this problem fewer.
The category of mini watermelons is Closing the interview, would you like
preferred by the consumers? to add something that worries you?
First of all, let me say that the harvest Yes, we are dealing again with the lack
of mini watermelons began on 15th of trucks that take our products to Europe.
of June. Mini watermelon is the ideal If we do not find trucks for our products,
solution for the consumer, as they can the prices will collapse again this year due
easily carry it home and it doesn’t cover to this problem. It is a problem we have
a lot of space in the fridge. We have been facing during the last years and a
invested in its cultivation but I think solution must be found otherwise we will
that the sector has not been organized
throw quantities again.


JUNE 2019



22 FRESHLETTER


ÒGrapes




THE SEASON STARTS WITH GOOD OMENS




The production of grapes will be reduced at almost every production area of the country and the har-
vest will be late this season, due to weather conditions. The situation is the following at the production
areas below:








































Crete: During the last years, the have been disappointing. This season the
producers in Crete worried about the lack grapes at the area are going really well,
of water for their cultivated areas. This but the overall production volume will be
problem is absent this season, as the reduced 20% and the harvest will be late
winter was full of rainfalls and the grapes for about two weeks.
are in good “shape”. The only thing that During the last years,
seems to worry the producers is the lower Kavala: Last season was not good
production (-30% in comparison with the producers in Crete for the region of Kavala, even though the
last year) at early varieties and -10% at worried about the lack domestic producers did not suffer as much
Thompson Seedless variety. as the producers in other areas. We must
Another characteristic of the season in of water for their cultivated note down that the farmers have not been
Crete is the late harvest, which will begin compensated yet for their losses and they
the first week of July for the early varieties, areas. This problem is absent wonder why they should have insurance if
whereas the first quantities of Thompson they do not get their money back in case of
Seedless variety will arrive at the s/m this season, as the winter damages by the weather.
shelves at the beginning of August. was full of rainfalls and the Regarding the new season, the
production volume will be lower 20%, the
Korinthos: The area of Korinthos has grapes are in good “shape” harvest of Thomson will begin on the 20th
suffered in the past, because of damages of August and Victoria grapes will enter
in its grape production and at the same the production on 15th of July.
time the prices for Thomson Seedless


JUNE 2019

“MODEL CRETAN GRAPES FOR THE MARKET”




Absolutely satisfied with the growth of grapes in Crete, is Mr. Nikos
Giannidakis, owner of the Minoan Fruits and hopes that the excel-
lent quality of the fruit will have a positive impact on the prices.



In terms of volume, at what levels do will not leave the grapes out. As for the prices
you estimate the production? I believe that there will be no fall below last
Due to last year’s drought, but also to the year’s level. We want to be optimistic that
impact of the high temperatures that prevailed this year the prices will be better, but it is
in May this year, that is to say during the fruit still too early to comment with confidence.
NIKOS GIANNIDAKIS set, I estimate that this year’s production will The only thing that we can say for sure, is
be reduced by 30% in early varieties. Also, I that the last year’s prices do not help for a
OWNER OF MINOAN FRUITS think that Thompson seedless will perform «sustainable crop».
around 10% less than last year.
How do you judge the Thompson
When will we see the first Cretan grapes seedless “monoculture”?
Mr Giannidakis, how is the cultivation of on the shelves and what do you think There are different views about that. There
table grapes in Crete so far? about the development of competition are producers who can not afford to leave
The cultivation is evolving perfect. We this year? the traditional Thompson seedless and plant
had a year of sufficient rainfall, which was Our grapes will be on the shelves from the something else while others are looking for
exactly what the Cretan viticulture was 10th of July, with the early varieties, while new varieties with lower cultivation costs and
needing, especially after last year’s drought. the Thompson seedless will be ready at other beneficial features. However, in Crete,
The rains led to a very vigorous development the end of July. Regarding how the Market the Thompson seedless occupies 70% of the
of our grapes, whose quality, this year, will will roll, we hope that the increased fruit vineyards, while the early varieties (prime,
be exemplary. consumption that we see this year in Europe superior, attica, etc.) occupy the remaining 30%.
















































JUNE 2019

24 FRESHLETTER








GEORGE BITSAKOS


SOURCING MANAGER
OF TESCO IN GREECE












I think that the season

of Greece should begin
in July and end during

Christmas. The domestic
market and the European
ones must continue

to be the priority for Greek
grapes, but maybe

we should have our eyes
open for Asia too








“EUROPE COMES FIRST, BUT WE SHOULD

HAVE OUR EYES OPEN FOR ASIA TOO”



The season of Greek grapes seems favorable, according to Mr. George Bitsakos, Sourcing Manager of
Tesco in Greece, who talks about what could be done so that the commercial season gets better.


Mr. Bitsakos, what are your production is normal this year and things way that consumers choose grape
predictions about the new season of are similar in Italy too. varieties?
grapes? What is the news from the Yes, there are some differences, in
other production countries? Do you foresee any factors that might comparison with the past. For example,
The current period the season is in full influence the trade of grapes the most consumers select red varieties and
swing in Egypt. The Egyptian production current period? also the packaging of grapes often contains
is late this season and it might last No, there aren’t any negative factors. I both red and white varieties in England.
longer than the usual, something that think that the fact that the season is late
also depends on how soon the Spanish will be a benefit for the sector. Do new grapes enter the Greek
production begins. market?
As far as Spain is concerned, its grape Do you see any changes in the I think that Northern Greece does better



JUNE 2019

that the production areas in the South.
Last season was not really good for Greek grapes abroad.
Can you please tell us the characteristics that Greek
grapes should have so that they are more attractive in the
foreign markets?
Last year was a bad season for our grapes, because of the
weather conditions. English consumers still prefer Greek grapes,
but they would prefer more grape varieties from Southern Greece.
In general, the problems that Greek grapes face are the low
production per producer, the high costs and water difficulties.

Which markets should Greece concentrate on regarding
the trade of grapes?
First of all, I think that the season of Greece should begin in July
and end during Christmas. The domestic market and the European
ones must continue to be the priority for Greek grapes, but maybe
we should have our eyes open for Asia too. Of course we need the
government’s support in order to enter the Asian markets and the
government has been absent so far.

You know the cultivating methods in other countries really
well. Could you talk about the results of “smart” farming
in table grapes? Are there any benefits?
Of course there are benefits, as this way the costs are reduced.
The experts and institutions must work on it so that the results
get even better.
























JUNE 2019

26 FRESHLETTER








ÒTomatoes




LATE SEASON AND A SLIGHTLY REDUCED CROP




The cultivation of tomatoes will be slightly reduced this year and the main characteristic
of the season is that the late production at almost all production areas.

































We are going through week 25 and the agronomist of Agris company, Mr. Koureas the main production centers of cultivation
plantings of tomato planting are almost Vasilis.. of tomato are those of Velina, Nemea,
complete across the country, except for According to him, this decline is due to Stymfalia. Finally, in Arcadia and Laconia,
Laconia region, which will complete its Tuta Absoluta bacteria, which last year this cultivation grows in 40 and 80
plantings in July. This way we can have caused significant damage to the above hectares, respectively.
a picture of the progress of this crop. But areas - and this is why producers hesitate The harvest of tomatoes in the region
let’s have a look at the most important to expand their land. Another factor that will be 2-3 weeks late and it will begin on
production area of tomato in Greece. also made producers to plant less hectares 10th of August.
is the high costs of the cultivation that the
Kastoria producers cannot longer afford. Regarding The conclusion
The cultivation of tomato in Kastoria the beginning of the harvest, it will be two Based on the data above, we see that
will be similar to last year, according to weeks late. this year we will have a slight decrease
Mr. Thomas Partsanis, agronomist of the in almost all cultivated areas of Greece.
area. The overall cultivated areas will not Peloponnese However, the general picture shows
surpass 50 hectares. If everything goes slightly reduced is the cultivation of us that there is a stabilization in the
well with the weather, then the harvest tomato in all the production centers of cultivated area, after a sharp downward
will begin at the beginning of August. Peloponnese, according to Mr. Kostas rally that began about 5 years ago and
Panousis, a producer from Velina of which, as it turned out, affected more the
Central and Eastern Macedonia Korinthia. This decline is estimated to small producers, So, today we see that
The cultivation of tomatoes in Central be around 10% in total - and it seems to the big producers have remained in this
and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace will be follow the general trend in the country. It cultivation.
reduced10-15 % this year, according to the should be noted here that in Peloponnese



JUNE 2019



28 FRESHLETTER








ÒAlmonds




VERTICAL FALL OF PRODUCTION IN TEMPI





Up to 80% less will be the almond production in the area of Tempi, but also in Elassona and Volos.





the last four years, with more producers
turning to it and new almond trees being
planted, which when they start to grow
will further increase the share of the
region in the total Greek produce. Finally,
the preferred varieties are the pasanna,
texas and tuono.
Fthiotida: A new area on the
map of Greek almond production
The almond produce in the region of
Stavros-Komotades-Mexiates, Fthiotida,
is expected to reach 60 tonnes, according
to Mrs. Athena Tsitamidou, producer and
the first to choose the particular crop in
the area. Plantations of the tuono variety
in the triangle of Stavros-Komotades-
Mexias amount to about 400 acres, but
The area of the Municipality of Tempi While it had previously most of them are under five years of age,
constitutes the «heavy artillery» for the resulting in still very small productivity.
Greek almond sector, as there is the 20% declined, it gains more As Mrs. Tsitamidou explains, if there were
of the almond land and produce of Greece. no obstacles to the pollination of the trees
However, this year is considered dramatic and more soil in the last by the intense rainfall and the strong
in terms of produce volume, as according four years, with more winds that were prevailing during the
to what is described by Mr. Nikos pollination period, produce could amount
Mitsogiannis, Chairman of the Producers’ producers turning to it to 100 tons. However, the quality of the
Group of the Agricultural Cooperative of almonds finally developed is expected to
Makrychori, Larissa, the damages at the and new almond trees being be excellent, the harvest will start around
cultivations due to the adverse weather 15 August and will be completed by the
conditions of winter and spring, are planted, which when they end of the same month.
estimated at 70-80% of the production start to grow will further Generally, the soil seems «particularly
potential, not only in Tempi but also fertile» for the growing of almonds in
in Elassona and Volos. At least, as Mr increase the share of the this area as, in addition to the expected
Mitsogiannis notes, the good element is gradual increase in the yield of young
that the quality of the remaining fruit is region in the total Greek plantings, there may be more and more
expected to be very good and it will be on new plantings. As Ms. Tsitamidou says,
time in the markets from the first days of produce several local cotton, maize and wheat
September. producers, who are disappointed by the
As for the evolution of the almond low prices of their current crops, are
cultivation at Tempi, Mr. Mitsogiannis thinking of replacing them with almond
notes that while it had previously crops, and the creation of a corresponding
declined, it gains more and more soil in Producers Group has already began.



JUNE 2019