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COMPANY PAGE


SUNIPAK 2ND COVER
TEX 1
MSC 3
MUSTAFA ARSLAN 7
VELVITA 11
MENELAOS 15
PLASTIKA KRITIS 17 In this issue
SOULIS 21
DOLE 24 The first forecasts about
the new stonefruit season in Greece


Sky-reaching demand for the oranges


No tourists would be a disaster
for the Greek horticultural sector



4 PRODUCTS
















































The pandemic of the coronavirus that
hits our country and Europe, found the
oranges in a transitional period, as in
March the winter varieties ended and
the late ones began. But let us remem-
ber together how things have evolved
from the beginning of the crisis until to-
day.
ÒOranges The winter varieties
In mid-March, our country began to
take the first steps for the protection of
the population against the coronavirus
pandemic, and at that time the orang-
SKY-REACHING DEMAND! es of the Merlin and Lane Late varieties
were on the market. However, the sea-
son in these varieties was coming to an
end, so the unsold quantities were lim-
ited in the area of Argolis, while in the
The trade of the oranges keeps going through a season similar to area of Etoloakarnania the absorption
the one in the spring of 1986, when the Chernobyl nuclear pow- was completed in the Lane Late vari-
er plant in Ukraine crashed. Consumers, at that time, turned to ety. The demand pace for oranges was
good at that time, while due to the pre-
oranges as the most beneficial fruit, and the same thing happened cautionary measures skyrocketed, with
today in the coronavirus pandemic, where oranges became con- producer prices rising above 50 cents in
sumers’ first choice in order to boost their immune systems. Merlin in a matter of days, while for the
Lane Late variety they were even higher.


MAY 2020

During the period we spend they stand
at 1 euro per kilo on tree in the area of
Skala. These prices, as expected, made
the traders turn to the valencia variety,
the season of which was just beginning.

The valencia variety
The commercial course in this late va-
riety started from the beginning of March
with the producer prices, being formed
during this period at 20-25 cents per ki-
lo on tree. In the region of Etoloakarna-
nia the harvest in the valencia variety
was almost complete, until the mid-
dle of March, and so in the foreground,
from this period onwards, came the ar-
ea of Skala, which is the largest produc-
tion center of the country, in this variety.
However, producers in Skala were re-
luctant to sell at the prices of 20 and
25 cents, so the absorption from this ar-
ea was difficult during this period. With
the implementation of the first restric- According to estimations,
tive measures, which led to an increase The next period
in demand, but due to the fact that the the total volume of As it turns out, the demand
harvest was completed in other areas, production of Valencia in for oranges is not going to
within a few days the producer price go down in the near future -
doubled and reached 45 cents for the Skala this year should be on the contrary, if normality
goof quality, while for moderate quali- returns to Europe, then many
ty the price was set a little lower, i.e. close to 100-120,000 tons, European countries will start
at 35-40 cents. With these prices, pro- asking for oranges, keeping
ducers have started to make trade deals which is significantly reduced the daily volume at least at
and, thus, we can say that there is cur- compared to the 150,000 today’s harvest levels. The
rently a relatively good cutting flow in question that arises in this
the area of Skala. tons that usually this regions case is whether the producers
will be willing to sell.
The volume reaches People that are well aware
and quality of production of the “reactions” of the
People who are well aware of the pro- producers in Skala estimate
duction in Skala estimate that the to- that, when the producer
tal volume of production this year in price reaches 50 cents per
Valencia variety should be close to 100- kilo on tree, while everything
120,000 tons, which is significantly low- indicates that this scenario
er than the 150,000 tons produced in will be realized with the arrival
this region under normal conditions. of May, then the supply will
As for the quality of the fruits, their increase and so the harvest
size has been improved significantly and flow will be smooth.
we can say that until mid-June quali- Finally, we would like to note
ty will not be a problem for traders. Be- that in the area of Skala, there
sides, due to the demand, this year all is no problem with the land
the sizes were absorbed without any workers and the harvest is
particular difficulty, while at the same being done in a smooth way.
time the prices given by the juice indus-
try are satisfactory.

6 INTERVIEW









“STOP TO THE TURKISH LEMON


EXPORTS UNTIL AUGUST”




The coronavirus pandemic has led to large increases in the price of
Turkish lemons, leading the government to ban exports in order to
force them to fall.









MUSTAFA ARSLAN

OWNER OF MDA AGRICULTURE





Mr Arslan, what changes have taken
place in the international lemon mar-
ket since the outbreak of coronavirus
pandemic?
Before the outbreak of the pandemic,
the prices of lemons on tree were at 0.70-
0.73 euros per kilo and at 1.10-1.15 euros
at the exit of the packaging plant. We are harvest - and more generally for the The government has announced new
talking about already very high prices. But work in the fields and the factories? credits and loans for all companies. But
with the outbreak of the pandemic, pro- No, there is a shortage of workers, as the this is not good, because there are always
ducers who packed and refrigerated their travels from city to city has been banned. big deficits after crises and people will be
products for April, May and summer, saw Only distribution trucks can move. As a re- those who pay them out with taxes. We
prices rise - and really “fly” once the virus sult, production capacity has been halved. do not receive immediate assistance, but
spread to Spain. The producers sought to In our factory we do not have such prob- we can get low-interest loans from Banks
make a lot of money from this case. Thus, lem, as the workers live in adjacent houses, (8-10% each year). You realize that this is
producer prices reached 1.50-1.80 euros but we have sent several to their homes to not enough to help us. The economy will
per kilo and export prices reached 2-2.20 keep the necessary distances that prevent be badly affected, but we will overcome all
at least. Do you know any market that the transmission of the disease. In gener- this together and we must have solidari-
will buy at such prices? On the other hand, al, the workers want to work so that they ty with other countries. We will make it
prices in the local market and supermar- can live, but we have reduced the harvest- through.
kets in Turkey surpassed raised over the 3 ing groups from 15 to 6 and in the packag-
euros, so the Government decided to stop ing plant there are only 50 of the 110 work- Would you like to say something to
the lemons exports. ers left. Also, the end of April means the lemon buyers?
This is a really great decision, which I end of our citrus works. I truly apologize for such expensive pric-
support. Now, consumer prices for lemons es in recent weeks. Under normal circum-
in Turkey are approximately at one euro In general, how have the Business stances, our plan for April, May and June
and the government will continue this ex- been affected by the new economic would be different. Unfortunately, there
port ban until the end of August. situation created by the coronavirus? are only 6-7 reliable companies in Tur-
Have measures been taken to support key, but we are working for the best. Warm
Are there enough workers for the them by the Government? greetings to all!



MAY 2020



8 INTERVIEW




“THE PRODUCTION OF PEACHES IN


IMATHIA WILL BE THE SAME AS LAST YEAR”




Producers in the area of Imathia expect the same production levels
of peaches as last year, whereas the production volume of cherries
is estimated to be a little lower, in comparison with last year’s pro-
duction, according to Mrs. Soula Serdari, Commercial Director of
ACN Naousa, who talks about the new varieties of peaches in the
cultivated areas of Imathia.

SOULA SERDARI

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
OF ACN NAOUSA




Mrs. Serdari, what are your first es-
timations about the new season of
stone fruit in Imathia?
So far everything has showed that we
will have a normal season in volume and
quality in peaches and nectarines. The
frost has not affected the volume of fruit,
but it is too soon to talk about quality lev-
els. In general, the production volume will
not differentiate much than last year. not be influenced by COVID -19. What I am
worried about is whether or not cosum-
Will the season be normal, regarding ers will afford to buy peaches. This is what
the beginning of the harvest? worries me the most.
Until now, our producers have talked
about an early season. More specifically, Until now, our producers have Do you think that certification of
the area of Veria will begin in mid March peaches that identifies that they are
and Naousa will give the first quantities at talked about an early season. not infected from the virus is neces-
20th of May. sary?
More specifically, the area of
If there are regulations from the Europe-
Which is the characteristic of the sea- Veria will begin in mid March an Union, of course we will have the cer-
son? tification as well. If not, I don’t find it nec-
This year lots of producers gave up on and Naousa will give the first essary.
peach cultivation. The percentage of aban-
donment surpassed the 30% of last year. quantities at 20th of May Last but not least, can you tell us a
However, what I would point in is the big few things about the new season of
number of new varieties that were planted cherries in Imathia?
this year in our land, early and late ones. In contrast with peaches and nectarines,
This is something encouraging for the sec- the weather has had a negative impact
tors as the ones that don’t give up in culti- on cherry cultivation and it is estimated
vating peaches really invest in them. that the production volume will be lower
it will influence peaches? 30%, in comparison with last season. What
Corona Virus has not had a negative No. I believe that it will not affect peach- seems to be a bigger problem though is the
impact in the consumption of fresh es either. Most consumers will choose to lack of workers in our land. I hope there is a
fruit and vegetables. Do you think that buy juicy fruit and the trade of peaches will solution to this problem soon.



MAY 2020

“WE HAVE TO KEEP CALM


AND WE WILL WORK THINGS OUT”



Covid – 19 will have a negative impact in peach consumption if the
sector does not keep calm, according to the President of ASEPOP
VELVENTOS, Nikos Koutliabas, who makes his first estimations
about the new season of peaches and the challenges ahead.







NIKOS KOUTLIABAS

PRESIDENT
OF ASEPOP VELVENTOS


Mr. Koutliabas, peach is nowadays a prod-
uct that has left its glory days behind. Is the
new season going to be any different, in
comparison with the previous ones?
Indeed, the last seasons of peaches
were really bad and as a result producers
in Northern Greece give up on this cultiva-
tion. The reasons are well kknow to every-
body, so let’s not repeat them. The ques-
tion is what happens from now on and if the
sector can make the difference. This season
will be a not easy one due to Covid -19 and
the changes it brings to the sector of sum-
mer fruit. So, there are many factors that will
influence the new trade season of peaches.
Can you refer to the main ones?
First of all, peaches are mainly exportable
products. This means that if we face problems
in our exports to Europe then we talk about a
failure this year. I hope that logistics will work that is said by the media or people of the not infected with COVID -19. If there are
without difficulties. A second factor that will sector, who try to terrify the consumers. In not regulations by the European Union, I
have its impact on the season of Greek peach- a period like this, all we have to do is to do not find it useful for Greeks to do some-
es is consumers’ behavior. The crisis we are keep calm, so that we do not have a neg- thing like that. Doctors have announced
going through is new to everyone and we do ative impact on consumers’ behavior. Ev- that fruit do not carry the virus.
not know which products the consumers will eryone -and by everyone I mean producers,
choose not to buy. Last but not least, the lack traders and retailers –should behave in a Will you make estimation about the new
of the expected tourists will definitely influ- more proper way so that we do not terri- season of peaches in the area of Velventos?
ence the consumption of peaches. So, I think fy consumers, who will buy our products. There are some damages due to the
that May will be the month that will show the frost of March, but we cannot define how
way for all summer fruit. Some people of the sector talk about big these damages are yet. If they are not
certification of peaches, due to corona serious, then we expect higher volume, in
Is there anything else that worries virus. Do you agree on that? comparison with last year, due to expan-
you in this crisis? Well, I do not believe that it is necessary sion of the cultivation. Other than that, we
Yes, I am terribly annoyed by everything for peaches to have certification that are are expecting a normal season.

10 INTERVIEW








“PEACH PRODUCTION WILL BE LOWER


30%, IN COMPARISON

WITH LAST YEAR IN TIRNAVOS”




The frost that took place last March and the land abandonment will
result in lower volumes of peach in the area of Tirnavos in Larisa,
according to the President of Sotiris Tabosis, President of A.C Tir-
navos, who focuses in the problems that domestic producers will
face this season.

SOTIRIS TABOSIS

PRESIDENT OF A.C TIRNAVOS







Mr. Tabosis, what are your first es-
timations about the new season of
peaches in Larisa?
Our first estimations indicate lower pro-
duction volume 30%, in comparison with
last season. The lower volume is due to
the frost that took place during last March
in our area and provoked damages in our
cultivated areas(early and late varieties
of peaches).Also, the majority of grow-
ers abandoned the cultivation of peach.
These two reason lead to low production Other than that, do you think 2020 is commercial season of peaches?
of peach in Tirnavos, Larisa. going to be an easy season for peach- This is the second issue that worries us
es? again this season. As far as exports are
Will you have a normal season, re- What seems to worry us this season is
garding the beginning of the harvest? the lack of workers during the harvest of concerned, I believe that if logistics are ok,
then we will not face any difficulties. Our ex-
Yes, the harvest is estimated to start at fruit. The majority of land workers in our
May 20th, just like last year. ports will begin with no problems. Regard-
area come from Albania every year. Due ing the domestic consumption, it is possible
to Corona virus and closed boarders we do that the lack of tourists will have a negative
Which products do most producers not know what is going to happen this sea- impact on the consumption of summer fruit.
choose? son and whether or not Albanian workers
In our area the ones that give up on Let us not forget how many hotels in the
peaches choose grapes and more specif- will come and work at our land. So, what country absorb quantities of peaches and
we are waiting for is coming back to nor-
ically Mosxato variety. It is a really well mal and see what we are going to do, re- other stonefruit during summer. It is sure-
ly something new to all of us, not only in
known variety worldwide. Nevertheless, gading this issue.
in Greece Mosxato variety is cultivated the Greece but the whole planet and we must
wait to see what tomorrow brings. Let’s
most in Tirnavos. As a result, the domestic Apart from land workers, do you think
producers think that it is a safe choice and that Corona virus will influence the hope we come out of this healthy and then
we will be able to work it things out.
this is why they prefer it to other products.

MAY 2020



12 INTERVIEW








“FOR THE ENTIRE PRODUCTION


TO BE HARVESTED, IT IS NEEDED TO COVER

THE LACK OF THE FOREIGN WORKERS”




The cherry harvest will begin this year in Pieria later than usual.
However, the question is how many of them will be collected, as
the quarantine measures have kept out of Greece the foreign work-
force, which was traditionally undertaking the various tasks of
the season, notes in Froutonea the President of AC Rachi, “Agios
Loukas”, Mr. Dimitris Ntouros.
DIMITRIS NTOUROS

PRESIDENT
AC RACHI “AGIOS LOUKAS”




Mr. Ntouros, when will the cherry
harvest begin in the area of Rachi in
Pieria this year?
This year, it seems that the season will
start a little later than last year. We ex-
pect to start around May 10-12, a week
later than last year. Otherwise, the weath-
er so far has not caused any problems and
the early cherries, at least, they seem to
be doing well.

How is your area affected by the quar-
antine measures against the pandem-
ic, which also affect labor movement?
Producers and local workers on their
own are enough for what needs to be done
before the start of the harvest. However, What will happen, in case and to the
when the season begins, only our Coopera- ish and Italian, as the timely measures
tive and its members will need 1,500 work- extent that you cannot meet your taken by Greece to deal with the spread
needs for workers?
ers. Normally, these workers would come of pandemic, give them greater credibil-
from Albania and Bulgaria, but with quar- This will mean that fewer fruits will ity for their safety and hygiene. So, I be-
antine measures, this option seems to be be harvested and that their prices in the lieve that especially in Markets outside
ruled out. Thus, we have come in contact Market will rise accordingly. Europe, such as in the Middle East, Greek
with the Government in order to hire Greek products will not face any problems.
workers from the unemployment basin. However, there are some people Finally, aren’t you afraid that there
saying that the consumer habits in
What we are talking about is that the un-
employment allowance should be convert- times of pandemic have changed - may be shortages of trucks or de-
lays in shipments?
and this may be negative for cher-
ed into an employment benefit and, at the
same time, that they should receive a sal- ries. I don’t think we will have a problem
ary per day of work. Greek cherries, but also Greek fruits in with trucks. There may be delays, but
general, have an advantage over Span- we are not worried.

MAY 2020

“ITALY HAS REACTED STRONGLY TO COVID


-19 AND WE HOPE THAT WE CAN BEAT

THIS CRISIS IN A REASONABLY SHORT TIME”




The difficulties caused by COVID -19 in the Italian sector of fresh
produce describes to Froutonea magazine the President of CSO
Italy, Mr. Paolo Bruni, who focuses on the impact of the virus in the
imports and exports of Italy.



PAOLO BRUNI As regard to production

PRESIDENT OF CSO led to logistic problems, for a number of
obviously labour is a problem destinations strongly on transport costs.
in the countryside, above Did the same happen with imports?
Fruit and vegetable imports have suf-
all foreign workers, due to fered less consequence but however
fear of the virus infection. All slowed down towards the end of March.
Products over the last two months have
necessary safety procedures however been constantly present in shops
Mr. Bruni, Italy is one of the countries as normal and with reasonable prices.
most affected by COVID -19. Describe have been taken in the
to us what the impact of the strict Did you face problems, regarding the
measures has been on the Italian sec- production warehouses production of fruit and vegetables?
tor of fresh produce. in order to guarantee the As regard to production obviously la-
In the last two months in Italy, the fruit bour is a problem in the countryside, above
and vegetable market has been strong- safety of workers which have all foreign workers, due to fear of the vi-
ly influenced by the corona virus pandemic rus infection. All necessary safety pro-
which has hit heavily our country, and the however affected costs and cedures have been taken in the produc-
decisions taken by the Italian government tion warehouses in order to guarantee the
in order to contain the medical emergency. working times safety of workers which have however af-
The closure of schools, shopping centres, fected costs and working times. At the end
restaurants, bars and other meeting plac- of March the rapid decline in temperature,
es, as well as local and farmer’s markets… also below zero, in many regions, as far
The virus has blocked the horeca sector, it south as Puglia, has taken its toll on pro-
has slowed down the wholesale market, it duction with severe damage to, above all
has negatively influenced the hypermar- the explosion of fruit and vegetables sales vegetables in open-air fields with reper-
kets, whilst in the supermarkets, that have via e-commerce and home delivery. cussions on seasonal fruit.
always stayed open everywhere, except on
Sundays in some regions, the sales of fruit What about the exports? Do you think that Italy will overcome
and vegetables, after a boom at the begin- The alarm of the Italian situation has ob- this crisis? If yes, how long will it take
ning, have had a fluctuating trend but how- viously not helped exports. Boarder checks you to recover?
ever sustained, with prices in line with the on goods and transporters, with trucks re- Italy has reacted strongly and composed
season. On the whole, in retailers of large- fusing to enter into Italy and of course a throughout this serious crisis and this
scale distribution prices have not been number of precautionary measures put in- makes us hope that we can beat this crisis
subject to speculation. An important phe- to place in all countries due to the growth in a reasonably short time. This is however
nomenon generated by the crisis has been in the pandemic all over Europe which have the hope of all the Italians”.


MAY 2020

14 INTERVIEW








“THE PRODUCTION VOLUME OF PEACHES


MAY BE LOWER 50%,

IN COMPARISON WITH LAST YEAR”




The low temperatures at late March that took place during blos-
soming of trees seem to have affected up to 50-60% of the overall
production volume of peaches in Italy, according to Mr. Mirco
Zanelli, Commercial Manager of Apofruit Italy.


MIRCO ZANELLI

COMMERCIAL MANAGER
OF APOFRUIT ITALY



Mr. Zanelli, what are the first esti-
mations about the new season of
peaches and nectarines? Did the
recent low temperatures cause any
damages to the trees?
It is too early to give real estimates
on these products, both on volumes
and especially on quality, since we will
not start harvesting the first fruits be-
fore 30 days from now. We can certain-
ly give a first impression on the overall
volumes that of course will be affect-
ed by the recent low temperatures that
have damaged many plants especial-
ly in Emilia Romagna and in a less im-
portant way in the southern regions, hit-
ting flowering plants and fruits just set.
Volumes will be lower than the average
of recent years, with data very close to
50/60% less and with more deficiencies
in the northern regions and especially in
the early stage of ripening. Special attention should be ries and asparagus, to change in the first
When is the harvest estimated given to the packaged products, moments of the crisis and then it re-
aligned; Special attention should be giv-
to begin? whose demand has increased en to the packaged products, whose de-
Between late May and early June mand has increased in recent weeks, and
in recent weeks, and could then could then also have an impact on sum-
Do you think that Corona-virus will also have an impact on summer mer production. Another issue that will
affect the exports of Italian peaches? affect the purchasing will be timing and
It is too early to make such estima- production methods of the reopening of restaurants
tions. We have seen the consumption of and hotels, the recovery and the way in
other fresh products such as strawber- which the tourism will move, etc.



MAY 2020



16 INTERVIEW


“THIS CATASTROPHIC SEASON


UNDERMINES OUR FARMING FUTURE”



This year’s vegetable season has already been written in black letters
in the accounting books of the Cretan Producers. In fact, as Mr.
Giannis Charalampakis, President of AC Tympaki, emphasizes in
Froutonea, there are many Producers who will not be able to pay
their credits to the agricultural supply stores - and next year they
will not be able to cultivate.



GIANNIS CHARALAMPAKIS
PRESIDENT OF AC TYMPAKI





Mr. Charalampakis, how has the Cre-
tan Vegetable Market moved during
the pandemic?
Throughout this period, but especial-
ly from March 20 until the first days of
April, the situation is tragic. We sell on-
ly 40% of our production and the rest we
have to throw away, while the prices have
fallen. In particular, tomatoes and cucum-
bers during this period are sold at degrad- while last year they were at 1.30.
ing prices, at 0.25 euros per kilo, while we
cannot be satisfied neither with the prices There is no much time left yet for the
of the eggplants. end of the season. Is there any hope?
No there is not at all. In our Sector we
More than 50%
Which particular factors have brought do not see the catastrophe coming. It is
about this negative situation? of the production of Cretan already here - and I will explain myself:
Today’s “dead” market is obviously due When we started the season in October,
to the closure of restaurants, hotels and vegetables ended up until March we were selling at very low
the suspension of the catering industry prices, even below cost. What kept us go-
in general, but also to the closure of the in the junk, due to ing on was that we hoped that from March
open-air markets, which are included in the collapse of demand, onwards, and as approaching Easter, bet-
the quarantine measures against corona- ter days would come for our production.
virus and have tragically reduced the con- which came from the closure However, as you can see, things turned out
sumption. Of course, even the transporta- differently - and now the situation is not
tion of the products to the open markets of restaurants. The Holy changing by anything.
are not completely smooth, although the
main problem in this sector has to do with Week was no exception Which will be the consequences from
the cost increase. this season?
The problem is that many Producers will
Did Holy Week bring any change to not be able to pay their credits to the ag-
the Market? ricultural supply stores. So how are they
Even during Holy Week there were sev- going to ask again for supplies for the new
eral unsold quantities of Cretan products, growing season? All this means that many
while, in terms of their prices, I will typi- crops will be abandoned, with all that this
cally mention that the tomatoes on Holy may mean for food. As of this year, there are
Tuesday were priced at 0.50 euros per kilo, many who will stop their activities earlier.



MAY 2020



18 INTERVIEW








“WE SEE OUR HANDS EMPTY


AT THE END OF THIS SEASON”



This vegetables’ season leaves no money for the producers, men-
tions to Froutonea Mr. George Chalkias, president of AC Kountou-
ra. In fact, their products have found the gates of European markets
closed due to the pandemic, just at the highest point of the plants’
productivity.






GEORGE HALKIAS

PRESIDENT OF AC KOUNTOURA








Mr. Chalkias, how has the Cretan veg-
etable market gone throughout this
period of pandemic?
First of all, things are more or less
the same, regardless of which region of
Crete the vegetables come from. The is-
sue is that we did not start well this year, pear. So in general, the season is not good
as the combination of the weather condi- and will not be good, especially for toma-
tions with the developments imposed by toes. Specifically, I estimate that there will
the pandemic threw prices at very low lev- be a reduction in the average income from
el. I would even say that the worst period 1,500 to 2,500 thousand euros per acre. In general, the season is not
for Cretan vegetables was the period from
March 16 to April 4, when the increased What support measures are you re- good and will not be good,
plant productivity could not be converted questing for in order to be able to be
into sales in Europe, as much of the mar- compensated for this year’s extraor- especially for tomatoes.
ket was closed, there were large delays at dinary losses?
the border, and consumers turned to long- We have contacted the cooperatives Specifically, I estimate that
term products. and the agricultural associations of Crete there will be a reduction
and we have collected our statistical data,
From now on, how do you see the which shows that in all areas there is the in the average income
season going? same problem: We have nothing left in our
Plant productivity has fallen again, and hands from this season. We ask, therefore, from 1,500 to 2,500 thousand
so has the appearance of tomatoes. The from the Government to provide us finan-
season will end in May, but the problem is cial support so that we can cultivate next euros per acre
that so far the production costs have not season as well. In fact, this aid should be
been covered, as they should have been in given by the end of April, as a large per-
normal conditions. In addition, now is the centage of checks and debts on our island
time for the threat of tuta absoluta to ap- expire at that time.


MAY 2020



20 INTERVIEW





































GIANNIS DIASAKOS

MANAGING DIRECTOR “THE COURSE OF THE CURRENT
OF GEOPLANT
SEASON WILL HAVE AN IMPACT


ON THE NEW STRAWBERRY PLANTINGS”
Mr. Diasakos, the strawberry season
began really well this year. Neverthe- The commercial season of strawberry will be defined by the way
less, the producers’ plans were ruined
by COVID – 19. What is the current sit- things will go during May, according to Mr. Giannis Diasakos,
uation in strawberry sector? Managing Director of Geoplant, who makes his comments about
Indeed, everything was promising at the the disadvantages of Greek strawberry in the markets of Western
beginning of the season, but Corona vi-
rus changed our plans and there has been Europe.
a disaster ever since at our sector. When
all the measures took place the consump- ket. Things are now different. Consumers
tion and prices of the product collapsed at shop under fear and select basic products.
once. Things got better during Easter, but Strawberry is surely not one of them. I un-
when the holiday was over, the market col- derstand all this, but panic never helped
lapsed again. Regarding exports to Europe, us and never will. Strawberry is definitely
they stand at satisfying levels, with most Our future plantings depend a victim of the crisis not only in Greece, but
quantities being absorbed by Germany. We the rest of the world. If things don’t change
are all waiting for what May brings. It is a on our sales to Western during May, then the season is considered
month considered to bring changes in the Europe, where most a failure for the sector.
sector.
of our exports go to. Do you think that all this will affect the
Strawberry was one of the crisi’s “vic- plantings of producers for next year?
tims”. Do you justify this consumer’s If our sales are higher there, Yes, I do. The only sure thing is that our
behavior? acreage will not be higher, because the
Covid -19 created new perspectives for then our plantings can get revenues will be smaller than the expect-
the international fruit and vegetable mar- more ed ones. So, I think that the overall cultiva-



MAY 2020

tion of strawberries for next year will either in comparison with our competitors, like
be the same or lower. Spain. However, we lack of other things
such as the final packaging of our products.
Apart from Corona virus, do you see
further plantimngs of strawberry in Why can’t we adjust at the needs of
our country? these markets?
I must note down that last year we plant- For so many years we exported our prod-
ed more than 15000 hectares of strawber- ucts to Estern Europe, which did not care
I think that the overall ry in the region of Ilia, in comparison with about the packaging of a product. It takes
cultivation of strawberries for the year before. However, our future plant- time to adjust to new needs and situations
On the other hand, the context of our pack-
ings depend on our sales to Western Eu-
next year will either be the rope, where most of our exports go to. If aging is not the best we can do, because
our sales are higher there, then our plant- the harvest of strawberries is made by not
same or lower ings can get more. qualified workers, who are not taught how
to select the fruit. These two factors make
What is the place of Greek strawberry us have a disadvantage in Western Euro-
in the markets of Western Europe? pean Countries.
We have a huge disadvantage in taste
and this is what makes the difference,



























MAY 2020

22 EXHIBITION









FRUIT ATTRACTION

NEW FORMAT TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE PANDEMIA ERA




Fruit Attraction is adapting its format in order to continue stimulating international trade relations,
minimise the risks for participating companies and guarantee the health and safety of all its attendees.
Fruit Attraction 2020 will be a fulcrum for reconstruction and a great tribute to all the professionals in
the fruit and vegetable sector.








































Fruit Attraction 2020, co-celebrating international Fruit Attraction community to
from 20 to 22 October with Flower & Gar- speed up the recovery, has allowed the fair
den Attraction and with the new Fresh to have recorded an increase of 5% in reg-
Food Logistics project, which offers solu- istrations for participation, compared to the
tions for the entire cold chain, continues same dates last year.
with the organisation and planning of its All the conference spaces,
12th year. The trade fair will incorporate common areas, working The innovation as health
new elements into its format with the aim protective measure
of serving as a fulcrum to promote the re- areas and the layout of the All the conference spaces, common ar-
construction of international trade rela- fair are designed and planned eas, working areas and the layout of the fair
tions within the fruit and vegetable sector. are designed and planned to comply with all
It takes place in October, which is the key to comply with all the social the social and hygienic protocols set by the
time for the sector. The confidence of the authorities, with capacity control and man-
sector as a whole, and the support of the and hygienic protocols agement systems, temperature monitoring,



MAY 2020

etc. ensuring the health and safety of ev-
eryone attending the event, who will previ-
ously receive a Post Covid-19 Behavioural
Recommendations Guide. Fruit Attraction
will probably be less social in order to pre-
serve attendees’ health and safety (access
management and capacity limits, tempera-
ture monitoring, hygiene-sanitary mea-
sures, etc.). This means moving away from
grouping many visitors together and toward
an event model that focuses on buying and
selling processes and presenting new de-
velopments, innovations and know-how for
this new market and consumption scenario.
Three days during which the industry comes
together to generate and develop commer-
cial relationships in a mixed face-to-face
and digital format, enhancing the quality of participating companies will be another The confidence of the sector
the buyer profile. Three days of internation- of the strategic pillars of Fruit Attraction
al buying and selling, supply agreements, 2020. It will make two types of modular as a whole, and the support
campaign planning, news, face-to-face and customisable stands available, Basic and
virtual forums and debates, all taking ad- Premium, that are all inclusive and include of the international Fruit
vantage of IFEMA’s 5G technology. 3 Premium WIFI connections, to effective- Attraction community to
ly manage video calls with participating re-
Optimising costs, mote buyers. This service is also included speed up the recovery,
minimising risks for all exhibitors participating with custom
Fruit Attraction will be held at a time designed stands. has allowed the fair to
when visitors from many countries will be The online Participating Companies Di- have recorded an increase
able to attend the event in person and oth- rectory will play a leading role, since it
ers will participate digitally through a new will be essential for identifying compa- of 5% in registrations for
B2B-eMeeting service (30-45 minute vid- nies, products, news, contacts, agenda and
eo calls on a platform available for smart- eMeeting services, etc. for all those visitors participation, compared to
phones and laptops), with prearranged or who cannot attend the event in person. the same dates last year
spontaneous agendas between exhibit-
ing companies and buyers from all over the
world that are part of the entire Fruit At- For all the hard working people of the sector
traction digital community. This will enable
the fair to put forward new value streams «We have a responsibility to celebrate Fruit Attraction 2020 together. I am sure
for customers who are unable to attend. that when it closes its doors on 22 October, all the heads of the participating
The intense specialised programme of companies will be proud to have contributed to the reconstruction of
congresses, conferences, debates, compa- international trade relations for the entire fruit and vegetable sector value
ny presentations, etc. covering the entire chain. During these months of COVID-19, our agri-food sector has shown and
value chain will also take place in a mixed will continue to show the community as a whole all its strengths, reaffirming
format, and will begin virtually with the itself as a strategic and fundamental sector for our social structure’s food
«VIRTUAL FRUIT FORUM» on 14 October, supply and confidence», says fair director, Raúl Calleja.
for the entire Fruit Attraction internation- Jorge Brotons, president of Fepex and the Organising Committee for Fruit
al community. There will then be daily digi- Attraction, adds that “we continue to work towards October, in a scenario
tal events with high-value content up until of a return to a certain normality, because we need to see each other’s
the start of Fruit Attraction on 20 October, faces and work to help companies continue selling and growing. Fruit
when the on-site events will begin, includ- Attraction will be a great tribute to and recognition of all the professionals
ing the BIOFRUIT CONGRESS that will be in the fruit and vegetable sector who have been working intensively in the
held on the 22 October. field, in maintaining supplies, in the factories, in logistics, in distribution, in
Optimising costs, minimising risks and marketing, in warehouses, and at the points of sale around the world during
simplifying setting up the stands for the these months of confinement and uncertainty”.



MAY 2020