FROUTONEA_JULY20_UK

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G. Orfanou & Co
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Panagiotis Orfanos
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Yiorgos Vergouliades
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Aris Betchavas
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ADVERTISED COMPANIES




COMPANY PAGE


MENELAOS 2ND COVER
TEX 1
NAOUGUSTA 3
KOINOPRAXIA 12
VELVITA 7
AC EPISKOPI 13
POLITIS BROS 15 In this issue
HELLAGRO 24
Increased tariffs imposed by USA

and covid-19 augmented the stocks of the peaches
in big tins


There is need for better varieties
in order to increase the apricot exports


There will be more Cretan grapes of all varieties



4 PRODUCTS




































































ÒPeaches «commercial season” for peaches and nec-
We are going through June and the
tarines has now passed from Peloponnese
and Tyrnavos to the productive areas of
Macedonia. Unfortunately, the good start
A PECULIAR YEAR! didn’t last long, as after the feast of the
Holy Spirit, prices dropped significantly.
The first peaches, but also nectarines,
which reached the market from Pelopon-
The new season of peaches and nectarines is in full swing, and as nese in May, were not many and the prices
we can see from the commercial course of these products so far, a were about 0,50 cents higher than in the
there is new “data” this season. same period last year. The heat that boost-
ed demand for summer fruit at high levels


JULY 2020

also contributed to this. However, after the try, but only about their temporary prof-
heat, the rains and low temperatures came, it. Typical is the case of a trader who in
not only in Greece but also in Europe, and the 23rd week, offered peaches and nec-
the demand fell sharply, but the same hap- tarines at 0.20 cents lower than the real
pened with the supply. In other words, for ones, without at the same time holding
about 10 days we had a demand that was these goods in his hands. He just hoped
really low and at the same time we did not he could find them at any price he wanted.
have quantities. However, when the weath- However, the damage was done as recip-
er improved, the offer from Peloponnese ients abroad thought that prices had fall-
and Tyrnavos rose sharply for nectarines en to these levels, and thus put pressure
and peache. So we reached 24th week, on their partners to send them goods at
when the prices in Macedonia are at low these prices as well.
levels, something that is not justified by
the laws of supply and demand. The next period
How the commercial course of peach
The situation in Macedonia and nectarine will evolve in the near fu-
According to the observations of com- ture is a puzzle for us. We say this as
mercial and production circles from Mace- covid-19 has caused a great deal of mar-
donia, now the year begins to gain mo- ket turmoil, and has brought ups and
mentum, as day by day the volume of downs. What we have known for a long
production will rise for peaches and nec- time does not exist this summer.
tarines. However, what has been seen since The tourist flow that significantly af-
The new season of peaches the harvest so far is that for another year fected the consumption of these prod-
the good peaches will be few, and this is
ucts is expected to be significantly
and nectarines is in full due to the fact that in previous years ma- reduced this year, as Europeans, as ev-
ny estates were abandoned and uproot- erything shows, will prefer to have a va-
swing, and as we can see ed. In fact, according to circles that are well cation in their country.
aware of this product, at the moment there How much will this affect consump-
from the commercial course is a balance between supply and demand tion? But will that increase our exports
of these products so far, and most importantly there are no stocks to the West?
These questions cannot be answered
in the refrigerators. Then why did prices fall
there is new “data” this within a week? at this time. What appears is that supply
The answer to this question must will be maintained at low levels in Imath-
season be hidden in the adventurous percep- ia and Pella, and at normal levels, in oth-
tion of some traders, who do not care er areas. But summer is long, and many
at all about the prosperity of the indus- things can change later.


JULY 2020

6 INTERVIEW









“SMALL PACKAGING HELPS


THE SALES OF CHERRIES”




Mrs Soula Serdari, Commercial Director of ACN Naousa talks
about the new season of cherries and how much Naougusta brand
helped the sales of its peaches.










SOULA SERDARI


COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
OF ACN NAOUSA



Mrs. Serdari, what is the situation like
for cherries in Northern Greece this
season?
The season has been really good so far,
as most cherry varieties have high quali-
ty. At the mountainous areas the produc-
tion volume is high. The season began at
the end of May and if the weather is good
the harvest of cherries will end at the end
of July.
tense interest since the beginning of the
Are the prices satisfying? season. Germany, Italy, Poland and Latvia
The prices reached high levels at the be- are our main markets this year. It is worth
ginning of the season (2.50 -2.70 euros/ki- noting that this season Greek cherries are
lo) and now they are lower 1.80-2.20 eu-
ros/kilo. The producers and traders are The domestic trade sent to a large number of European mar-
kets, which justifies the good absorption of
satisfied especially during a period that ev- is not as satisfying our products.
erybody felt insecure due to Corona virus.
as the demand in the Cherry is a vulnerable product. Do
Is the demand satisfying as well? you think that the Greek industry has
The domestic trade is not as satisfy- European markets. managed to provide all the necessary
ing as the demand in the European mar- specifications for a safe trip to distant
kets. Consumption in the domestic market Consumption in the domestic markets?
is not the expected one; however we ex- market is not the Yes, absolutely. We take all the nec-
pect to see how it will develop in the near essary measures so that the cherry trav-
future as the weather has had its ups and expected one; els safely abroad. Long life packages and
downs. The situation is saved by the de- suitable hydro coolers meet all the speci-
mand for Greek cherries in the Europe- fications for a safe trip. These in combina-
an markets, which this year has shown in- tion with the good and quality Greek cher-




JULY 2020

Consumption in the domestic ry stand out
among those
market is not the expected of our com-
petitors in the
one; however we expect markets.
to see how it will develop
Regarding the pack-
in the near future as aging of the cherry, do you think that
there has been progress in the do-
the weather has had its ups mestic sector in recent years?
The
Nowadays, the packaging for cherries is
and downs. The situation numerous. The requirements of large S / M peaches of ACN Naoussa,
is saved by the demand chains both in our country and internation- which come from the best varieties, have
ally are many and varied, with the result an incredible aroma and taste, have ac-
for Greek cherries in the that the number of product packaging has quired their own name in the markets. Now
increased significantly in recent years. We, the consumer recognizes them and choos-
European markets, comply with these requirements and strive es them without hesitation. It was some-

which this year has shown to meet the needs of our customers. In my thing that had to be done and it helped our
sales a lot.
opinion, in cherry, small packaging helps in
intense interest since its sales and we notice that it is preferred
by the industry in many cases. How is this year’s trading season go-
the beginning of the season ing for peaches?
Let’s carry on with the cultivation of The truth is that we were very optimistic
the product. Do you think that cherry at the beginning of the season, but the re-
varieties are sufficient in the produc- sults are not what we had expected so far.
tive centers of our country or is there Let’s hope that the high temperatures will
still room to enrich the domestic cul- help their consumption at European level.
tivation of cherries with more new va-
rieties? Closing the interview, what is your
I think we are on a very good path. Sev- opinion about on Bulgaria’s recent
eral new varieties have come into produc- decision on pesticide residues in its
tion in recent years and we expect more imports?
from new trees. These are all crunchy, I cannot understand why the country
tasty varieties with good quality, while took this decision. I honestly do not think
they are also resistant to long journeys. that such a decision makes sense. The Bul-
In my opinion, the varietal composition of garians themselves are already protesting
cherry cultivation is ideal at this stage. and I think that the issue will be resolved
immediately. Bulgaria is the dominant
Have you had any new cooperations market for Northern Greece and it is not in
lately? the interest of either market to have such
We cooperate with various cooperatives obstacles which will damage their trade
in the areas of Pella and Imathia, such as cooperation.
Ac. Flamourias, AC Episkopi, etc. We try
to meet the needs that arise each time
and when the cherry season is over in the
above two locations, we work with other
areas until August.

Peach is one of the main products
of your cooperative. Recently, your
peaches have gained their own name
in the market, Naugusta. What was
the contribution of this new brand in
the sales of your products?



JULY 2020

8 INTERVIEW









“THE DUTIES OF USA & COVID-19


INCREASED THE STOCKS OF LARGE

PACKAGING OF CANNED PEACHES”



The lack of damage from the weather and the good sizes are the
advantages of this year’s peach industrial harvest, according to Mr.
Costas Apostolou, President of EKE, who talks about his own con-
cerns regarding the cultivation of the product and its competition
in the markets.


KONSTANTINOS APOSTOLOU

PRESIDENT OF E.K.E.





Mr. Apostolou, with what stocks does
the new industrial peach season
start?
We start this year with stocks of 50-
60,000 tons. These are manageable
stocks, but this year we are facing a prob-
lem that we did not have in previous years.
On the one hand, COVID-19 and on the oth- ministry’s moves? does the mathematical operations, based
er hand, the increased US tariffs on indus- Yes, I would say that I am completely on the above numbers, one will find that
trial peaches (25% from 18% previous- satisfied with the result, as until recent- this is not the case.
ly) have led to increased stocks of large ly the whole industry was wondering what
co-packages, which are difficult to man- will happen to the harvest not only in the What are the prices that the nuclear
age. Therefore, we are trying to find alter- core but also in the other categories of industry will offer this year?
natives to absorb these quantities. kernels. However, I believe that the issue As I said in my previous answers, it is
has now been resolved, as so far around still too early to talk in numbers about
How is this season going so far? 10,000 invitations have been made for the both production and prices. In the near fu-
This is a smooth season in progress, participation of land workers, mainly from ture, all the announcements that the in-
with normal production. The positive point Albania. The labor force is now sufficient in dustry expects will be made.
of this year is the lack of damage from the our crops and we expect other land work-
weather. However, we cannot make pre- ers in the near future. In conclusion, how is the competition
dictions and talk with numbers about pro- in the markets this season?
duction, as the weather in June is unpre- However, is there anything that wor- Ε.Κ.Ε. makes constant efforts to ex-
dictable every year. Harvesting is expected ries you about the future of cultiva- pand its exports. We remain the world’s
to begin on July 10, and another advan- tion? leading exporters of peach cans, with Chi-
tage of this year’s harvest seems to be the Yes. Despite the expansion of plantings, na increasingly competing with us. Where
good size of the fruit, given that in previous we observe a mismatch between cultiva- we encounter difficulties is in the juice, in
years we were facing micro-fruiting. tion and production. To be clear, to make the exports of which Chile holds the reins.
it sustainable However, if our production this year is as
Has a solution been found for land producer’s income in the core peach, the predicted, it is certain that it will not find
workers? Are you satisfied with the latter must produce 4 tons per acre. If one obstacles in its way in the global markets.



JULY 2020



10 INTERVIEW































“THE PRODUCTION VOLUME OF INDUSTRIAL
STELIOS THEODOULIDIS


GENERAL DIRECTOR PEACH WILL BE STABLE THIS SEASON”
OF VENUS GROWERS

Mr. Stelios Theodoulidis, General Manager of Venus Growers, sees
a normal year, with zero damages from the weather at the produc-
Mr. Theodoulidis, what are the stocks tion volume of industrial peaches.
of industrial peach this season?
Our stocks this year are not significant-
ly different from last year and are around trial peach this year? What do you think needs to be done
50,000 tons. It has not shown significant deviations to make industrial peaches more
since last year and stands at 200,000 competitive?
What are your first estimations for acres. In my opinion, the compote is a demo-
the development of the new season graphically aged product.
in Imathia? Do you have any concerns about the This is because it is consumed by old-
This year marks a five-day delay, com- outcome of the new season? er people and not by the target group of
pared to last year, and the harvest is ex- I will be graphic, but this year we are young people. To change this situation, a
pected to begin in mid-July. However, al- particularly concerned about the lack of new marketing strategy must be followed
though the industry expected an increased labor. The world’s interest in this work, and new brands must be designed, with
production from last year, the deficit in that is, the harvesting of fruit, has been a special emphasis on marketing. If we
some areas will not allow us to finally lost. He is no longer motivated to come manage to present the product different-
hope for a higher, but in a normal produc- and work on the estates. And this year the ly to the consumer public, I think we have
tion that will be similar to last year’s. reasons are more. a lot to gain.
The coroner has created a sense of in-
Have you had any damage to your security and phobia in both Greeks and Closing, do you want to add some-
overall crop over time? foreign workers. We are called upon to thing else?
Although hail has been intense in our manage this feeling responsibly so that Yes, I would like to point out that in
area lately, it does not seem to have af- the worker feels safe and secure. We are addition to the emphasis on marketing,
fected our production productively and keeping all the measures so far and we we need to pay attention to some other
qualitatively so far. However, June is a will continue to do so, without “relaxing” points that prevent our industry from re-
special month in terms of weather condi- in the near future. covering, and these are nothing but oli-
tions and that is why we need to be spar- This pandemic has been and is one of garchy and internal competition.
ing in our statements. the biggest challenges for our industry Let’s not forget that industrial peach is
and we must take all necessary measures a very dynamic product and covers a large
What is the total cultivation of indus- for the health of all of us. percentage of global peach exports.


JULY 2020



12 INTERVIEW







































SAKIS SOFRONIADIS

OWNER OF SOFRONIADIS
COMPANY





Mr. Sofroniadis, do you think that “PRODUCERS SHOULD CHOOSE VARIOUS
this year is a favorable year for apri-
cots?
This year’s season started with limit- SUITABLE FOR EXPORT”
ed quantities of good quality and satis-
factory prices for apricots in the produc-
tive centers of the Peloponnese. Both
supply and demand were balanced from Sakis Sofroniadis, Owner of Sofroniadis Company makes his own
the beginning of the season until the proposals so that the peach sector becomes better.
first ten days of June. Then the supply
of quantities in the domestic market be-
came greater and so the initial balance of apricot cultivation with other va- there are many producers who choose to
was disturbed. However, this was ex- rieties?
pected and we are waiting to see what In the last five years, domestic pro- plant varieties of apricots, which are not
exportable, with the result that the fi-
will follow in the coming months to draw
safe conclusions about this year’s apri- ducers have included a number of new nal quantities that will give their trees
cannot be exported or absorbed by the
varieties in their crops, with the result
cot season.
that the number of total varieties in our domestic market. These are some of the
region has increased significantly. On the reasons that lead the industry to a con-
In the areas of Argolida and Corinth
in recent years, producers have in- one hand, this is very positive for culti- fusion and therefore to unexpected re-
vation. On the other hand, however, be-
sults.
vested in various new varieties of
apricots. What is your opinion on fore choosing each variety, each produc- Apricot is a vulnerable product.
er does not investigate whether it suits
the varietal composition of crops in
the above areas? Do you think that the soil and climatic conditions of our re- Do you think it can travel to more
distant markets than the existing
gion, with the result that some varieties
there is room for further enrichment
do not thrive and cause problems. Also,
JULY 2020

There are many producers who choose

to plant varieties of apricots, which are
not exportable, with the result that the final

quantities that their trees will give cannot
be exported or absorbed by the domestic

market













ones? And if so, what are the appropriate conditions
in your opinion?
Sure, it can travel to more distant markets, like other
equally vulnerable products such as kiwi. A basic condi-
tion is the correct choice of variety, which will be intend-
ed for export. Varieties to be planted should be selected,
which do not contain much sugar. Therefore, as I said in my
previous answer, emphasis should be placed on selecting
suitable varieties for export, which requires research and
knowledge on the part of both the producer and the dis-
tributor.

What do you think is the black spot in the apricot
branch, which if the product was missing could be
more competitive?
The controversies and “fights” of trade. And by that
I mean the differences that exist between traffickers in
terms of product prices. We lack the sympathy and under-
standing between us, which if it existed then things would
be much better for all of us. For example, a new trafficker
who enters the market cannot sell at very low prices, be-
cause this upsets the balance in the market and injures the
rest of his colleagues. This is up to us to change and I think
it is possible with a little effort on our part.

Could the state financial aid that will be announced
in the next period also concern the apricot among
other products?
Yes sure. Any financial support from the state is wel-
come by the industry. There are several programs that
have not been implemented, with the result that several
packaging plants remain meteoric. This is something that
is of great concern to the industry and we are waiting to
see what happens in the near future.




JULY 2020

14 INTERVIEW







“THE INCREASED WATERMELON


PRODUCTION IN TURKEY AFFECTS


THE GREEK TRADE”



The reasons for the collapse of this year’s watermelon prices in a
short period of time, analyzes Mr. George Karkavitsas, Watermelon
Exporter in Lechaina, Ilia, who also talks about his fears regarding
the future trade of Greek quantities in the European Markets.


GEORGE KARKAVITSAS

OWNER OF GEOKOSMOS
COMPANY




Mr. Karkavitsas, this season has started
with good omens for watermelon. Howev-
er, the scene in the Markets has been over-
turned in June. What do you think is the
reason for this development?
Indeed, the watermelon season began
this year with very positive messages for
the Sector, which delighted Producers and
Distributors in the region of Ilia. The high
temperatures of May, which brought early
summer to our country, increased the wa-
termelon orders from both the domestic
and European markets, and as a result the quantities cover a large part of the export
prices soared at the beginning of the sea- pie in European markets. The fact that Tur- How do you think the watermelon
son. However, from 0.55-060 euros / kg in key sells at much lower prices than ours season will develop next? Will the bad
mid-May, the producer prices of the prod- gives this country an even bigger advan- climate be reversed?
uct in our region, a month later, are set at tage in Europe, . This phenomenon is par- I believe that if the weather in Europe
0.10 euros / kg - and we are afraid that ticularly intense this year, which makes us normalizes, then our exports will strength-
they will fall even more. This development worry about what is to come. en. I hope the situation will get better with
is mainly due to the unstable weather in the arrival of July.
many European countries, however there What do you think needs to be done to
are some other factors that have led to control this phenomenon? As for trucks, with which you have
this result as well. In order to speak and act on equal terms, problems every year, how are things
the European Union must address the is- this year?
Can you name some of them? sue and discuss the possibility of impos- So far, everything is going smoothly and
In my opinion, watermelon production in ing higher tariffs on Turkey in terms of its there iare enough trucks. However, this is
Turkey has greatly influenced the develop- watermelon exports. Otherwise, if Turkey justified because our quantities in European
ment of the domestic watermelon season. invests in its watermelon exports in the markets are not large due to low demand,
This is because this year the country’s to- coming years, then Greek quantities are as I mentioned above. July will be a crucial
tal production volume is particularly high lost, given the trade agreements that are month for all the issues that have arisen
compared to previous years and Turkish in place so far. this year in the watermelon industry.




JULY 2020



16 PRODUCTS








ÒGrapes





CULTIVATION DEVELOPS SMOOTHLY AND WITHOUT PROBLEMS




The production volume of table grapes will fluctuate in normal levels this year, while it is possible that
there will be a slight delay in the beginning of the harvest of the sultana variety.











































We are in the 24th week and the first es- Crete: It rained a lot this year in Crete care and so, some estates will not have
timates from the main production centers and this helped the vineyards to be strong good grapes this year. However, these es-
for the evolution of table grape cultivation at this time, with good production. In fact, tates are few, and this does not negate the
have started and are arriving at our head- in the early varieties the volume will be overall picture of the region, which shows
quarters. The conclusion that emerges is increased by about 20% while in the sul- us that this year Crete will give us quality
that in all production centers the cultiva- tana variety the increase will be around grapes in all varieties.
tion is progressing smoothly so far, no se- 10%. As for the evolution of fruit quality, Corinth: There are no problems from the
rious problems have occurred from time to the weather did not cause any significant weather or anything else in the Corinthian
time and that the volume of production is problems and the only thing we have to region, and so the cultivation is progress-
at normal levels. But let’s see in detail how observe in this matter is that a small por- ing smoothly. In fact, the rains of April and
things are per region: tion of the producers, due to quarantine, May helped the grapevines to grow proper-
have not performed the necessary crop ly and be robust and, as it seems, the vol-



JULY 2020

ume of production compared to last year
will be increased and we will have a very In the world of the varieties
good quality in this area.
In the last 5 years, a great effort has been made in our country to enrich the
Kavala: The cultivation of grapes in the productive sector with new varieties of grapes, and as we have mentioned in
area of Kavala is developing very well and previous reports on grapes, in a few years the export volume of these new
according to productive and commercial varieties will be greater than of the sultana’s.
circles from this area, the volume of pro- This good stream of restructuring has not stopped this year either, so several
duction will be increased compared to last acres have been planted with these new varieties, especially in Northern
year, but at normal levels in terms of the Greece, while in the Corinthian region few producers are uprooting sultanas
dynamics of the area. There are no prob- and planting new varieties and the reason is purely economic. Things would
lems with the weather and everything have developed faster in Kavala and Corinth if there had been a program to
shows that this area will give us quality subsidize restructuring.
grapes. As for the start of the harvest, so As far as Crete is concerned, according to the observations of commercial
far it seems that the year is about a week circles in the region, the wind of restructuring has not yet «blown» and so the
late compared to a normal year, but that sultana will be the dominant variety in this place in the coming years.
may change later and eventually the har- However, no matter what the situation is, from 2025 onwards, when all the new
vest will start earlier, i.e. on normal dates. estates will be fully operational and according to our data will reach 3-4,000
acres, the volume of production from the new varieties will reach 40,000 tons.
The commercial course So, if everything goes smoothly, then from 2025 onwards the export map of the
Based on the above information from table grape will change, and out of the 70,000 tons of grapes that we export,
the productive areas, it seems that this half pf them will come from the new varieties.
year will be rich in grapes and if we do not For this year, according to estimates by representatives of the ARA, IFG and
have some «unpleasant surprises» from VOLCANI series, the estimated volume of production from all these new series
the weather, then the grapes will be of ex- is expected to be in the range of 3-4,000 tons.
cellent quality this year. While this is hap-
pening on the estates, at the same time
traders are worried about the commer-
cial course of this product, as this summer, These are the good news that covid -19
due to covid-19, is «special» and may hide can cause.
some surprises regarding the evolution The bad news have to do with the fear
of the demand.In particular, it is expected of a sudden expansion of covid 19 in a
that many European citizens will choose to productive area and that it may sudden-
have vacation in their home countries this ly fall into quarantine and thus disrupt the As far as Crete is concerned,
year, which means that demand in Europe- smooth absorption of the product.
an markets will remain high in August and Finally, in addition to all this, we should according to the observations
this will have a positive im- add that due to Bulgaria’s decision to con- of commercial circles in
pact on the overall trade trol all products that enter its territory for
process, especially the residues, the movement changes in many the region, the wind of
sultana vari- products and among them in grapes as
ety. well. In fact, these effects will be restructuring has not yet
significant in the distribution of
Victoria and in general this will «blown» and so the sultana
impact all the «economic» variet-
ies that our neighboring country will be the dominant variety
preferred. This development is
expected to put organized in this place in the coming years
units in a favorable posi-
tion, and perhaps
thus reduce the
phenomenon of
moving products
directly from the
field.

18 INTERVIEW







“MORE CRETAN GRAPES


OF ALL THE VARIETIES”


Absolutely satisfied with the development of grapes in Crete is
Nikos Giannidakis, Owner of Minoan Fruits. However, as he states,
there are still questions about the market’s absorption potential,
mainly due to the disruption of the operation of the horeca branch.




you think about the evolution of the
competition this year?
NIKOS GIANNIDAKIS This year, as it is dry, it will be early. We
OWNER OF MINOAN FRUITS estimate that the early grapes will start to
be harvested on July 10 and the Sultans
The sector was affected by at the beginning of August. If all goes well,
the uncertainty, the fear that we will be in the Market until October.
Regarding the trade, we see that the
Mr. Giannidakis, how is the cultivation prevailed and the questions Market so far is asking for grapes, but we
of table grapes in Crete evolving so do not ignore the issue of the abnormal op-
far? without answers - some of eration of the horeca branch.
The reality is that no one passed un- which remain - about the
scathed by the quarantine. The sector was Is there a need for Crete to escape
affected by the uncertainty, the fear that possibilities of handling the cultivation of Sultana - and if so,
prevailed and the questions without an- the product in the domestic which path should it follow?
swers - some of which remain - about the The producers of Crete have been look-
possibilities of handling the product in the industry, but also abroad ing for this issue for several years, but
domestic industry, but also abroad. Thus, without any scientific help from the State,
e.g. small producers did not give the nec- at least for the cultivation part. So we end
essary emphasis to the cultivation of their up moving based on our own experience -
grapevines - or did not cultivate at all. and what we’re seeing is that others are
substituting Sultans for early varieties and
So, all the necessary cultivation care others are generally uproot grapes in gen-
has not been done? eral to put avocados.
Professional Producers who support
their financial activity in table grapes, have What do you mean by “early variet-
implemented all the care that their grape- ies”?
vines need. Moreover, in recent years we I’m talking about varieties that are har-
have managed to be constantly below vested in early June. But we can’t say
the maximum limits of chemical residues. the May heatwaves reduced the growth more about them at the moment, as their
However, this has led to an overall in- potential of the plants. As for Sultana, we crops have not yet given fruit. In 2021 the
crease in our production costs, while sell- expect a 10% increase in production here first few sales of these new grapes are ex-
ing prices have been moving at about the as well. pected, but again, then we will only have
same level for the past five years. In general, the quality of the grapes is the first indications of their value.
evolving extremely well and we think that,
In terms of volume, at which levels especially for sultana, the dilutions that So Sultana remains?
do you estimate that production will have been made, will create very attrac- Yes. Sultana, which dominates, but also
reach? tive bunches. the early varieties, remain - and in my opin-
The volume of production will be 20% ion, they will never leave from Crete, as a
higher in early grapes (prime, superior, at- When will we see the first Cretan whole economic and social fabric has been
tica, etc.). Production could be higher bur grapes on store shelves and what do built around their cultivation.



JULY 2020

“THE BRITISH MARKET HAS A CLEAR

PREFERANCE FOR THE RED GRAPES”



The characteristics of the British grape market are described in
Froutonea by Mr. George Bitsakos, Sourcing Manager in Tesco
Company. Mr. Bitsakos comments on the commercial advantages
offered by the new varieties, in relation to Sultana.





GEORGE BITSAKOS

SOURCING MANAGER
IN TESCO COMPANY




Mr. Bitsakos, how is the new grape
season at the moment? What is the
situation in the various producing
countries?
It seems that we will have a normal year
in terms of production. By country, Egypt
will continue to send grapes to the mar-
kets after July 10 - but little. The season
in Greece and Italy is progressing normal-
ly, while Spanish production will be higher
from July 10. ing to red grapes, reducing its consumption tent have incorporated them into pro-
in white grapes, which I don’t think can be duction. However, are they appropri-
Eventually, Brexit was launched. Have reduced anymore. The point is that Spain ate for the countries that use to buy
the British retailers started looking has increased production of white grapes, Greek grapes?
for grapes from other sources or do while red grapes are grown practically on- Of course, these new grapes are suit-
you have anything in mind for tariffs? ly in Northern Greece, since in Corinth and able for the European retailers, as they are
No, there are currently no searches for Crete its production is minimal. Therefore, more resistant to refrigeration than Sulta-
new purchases. What I do know is that these are factors of pressure on the Greek na, and they are for harvested at the late
the British government should first reach shares in the British Market. part of the season.
an agreement with the European Union on As for other features of the British Mar-
the quantities and tariffs of their bilater- ket, the preferred packaging is the cup. In There are opinions that these variet-
al trade and then conclude similar agree- fact, the weight of the package has now ies are not really late, because they
ments with other countries. However, no been reduced to 16 grams - from 18 previ- come out just a week after Sultana.
details have been released on the size of ously - while the preference for cups made This is not the case. First of all, there
the quantities, the amount of the tariffs, or from recyclable materials is strong. The are some of the new grapes that come out
other aspects. biodegradable packaging category is not two weeks after Sultana. However, the is-
developed in the UK, as there is no system sue does not end here and I return to the
What grapes does the British con- for managing these packagings after use. issue of the sustainability of grapes in re-
sumer ask for and what are the Mar- frigerators. So when new varieties can be
ket’s requirements for packaging is- In recent years, several companies kept in refrigerators without problems for
sues, etc.? have presented their new late grapes up to four weeks, while Sultanina doesn’t,
The British market has long been turn- to Greek producers - and to some ex- doesn’t that make them late?

20 INTERVIEW












































DR MOHAMED RAGAB & “THE EARLY SEEDLESS VARIETIES

ISMAIL RAGAB

MANAGING DIRECTOR ARE CRUCIAL FOR THE EGYPTIAN SEASON”
& VICE MANAGING DIRECTOR,
RAGAB FARMS


Dr. Mohamed Ragab, Managing Director of the Ragab Farms and
Ismail Ragab, Vice Managing Director of the Ragab Farms describe
at Froutonea the character of the Egyptian table grape season and
Mr. Ragab, how would you assess the importance of the early seedless varieties.
the table grape cultivation peri-
od? What do you expect about the
Egyptian grape produce in terms of grape harvest and exports to Eu-
volume and quality? rope? How is the demand now and
This season Egypt started earlier what’s the crucial marketing period
than last year due to weather condi- for the Egyptian produce in Europe?
tions. The Spring was warmer, with the Yes. Early regions started harvest
exception of some cold days, which help Distinguishing “early” from “late” 8-10 May and the later ones 18-20
accelerate the maturity of the fruit on by only ten days may seem May. For some of the readers, distin-
the vines. We expect a normal crop with guishing “early” from “late” by only ten
good quality and hope it will be well re- strange, but in Egypt every day days may seem strange, but in Egypt
ceived by global markets like previous counts because the Egyptian every day counts because the Egyp-
years. tian window for export is limited to on-
window for export is limited to only ly 4-5 weeks. The crucial marketing pe-
Have you already started the table 4-5 weeks riod for Egyptian grapes aims to fill the



JULY 2020

gap between India and Spain typically
between the last week of May and the
first week of July.

Last time we have talked you told
us about the need for the Egyptians
to have early varieties in order to
take full advantage of their earlier
produce in comparison with the Eu-
ropeans. Please tell us which vari-
eties does your company launch at
the market during that period?
Yes, due to the relatively short Egyp-
tian export window, we seek early vari-
eties to enter the market on time and
exit before European fruit becomes
available. We first produce Prime, a
very early earliest white seedless vari-
ety known for its good crop, large ber-
ries, and muscat flavour. It is short-
ly followed by Starlight, an early red
seedless variety also with large berries
and unique sweet taste. We are proud
Ragab Farms has been growing both
varieties for years under license from packing operations which we are im-
Grape Evolution, a leading company plementing. These include continuous
based here in Greece and managed by sanitisation, wearing safety clothing,
Mr Dimitrios Spanos. Grapes Evolution and practising social distancing. From
have a robust program which breeds We first produce Prime, a very a logistics perspective, we are grateful
some of the earliest grapes in the world early earliest white seedless the fruit supply chain has not been se-
and have a series of very interesting verely disrupted thanks to the support
varieties in the pipeline. After harvest- variety known for its good crop, of the Egyptian government in mak-
ing these varieties, we export Sugraone ing lockdown exceptions to agricultur-
(white seedless) and Flame (red seed- large berries, and muscat flavour. al companies. With regards to demand,
less) which are slightly older varieties It is shortly followed by Starlight, so far we witness normal demand from
also in good demand. We also produce retailers in Europe but lower demand
later varieties such as Red Globe (red an early red seedless variety also from companies serving the wholesale
seeded) and Crimson (late red seed- with large berries and unique market due to the closure of hotels,
less) which mature a bit late for the EU restaurants, and several catering activ-
but are demanded by markets in Asia sweet taste ities (the three known as the “HoReCa”
and Africa. market). Fortunately, the lifting of re-
strictions which has started in Europe
How the restriction measures should gradually bring the HoReCa con-
against covid 19 do affect the var- sumption back to normal in the coming
ious aspects of the production and weeks.
logistics? Do you see any differenc- On a closing note, I would like to
es in the market needs owed to the thank Froutonea Magazine for its inter-
pandemic that affect table grapes est in global fruit export campaigns and
consumption? for reaching out to growers and export-
While Ragab Farms and other grapes ers like Ragab Farms to tell their sto-
exporters have strict measure for food ries to the world.
safety and hygiene, the Covid-19 sit- I wish you all the best. For more up-
uation requires extra precautionary dates about us, please follow us on In-
measures for labour in harvesting and stagram @ragabfarms



JULY 2020

22 INTERVIEW










SPAIN
“THE FRUIT HARVEST IN MOURTHIA


BEGINS IN THE FIRST DAYS OF JULY”



We are in the last days before the start of the grape harvest in Mur-
cia and Froutonea magazine is discussing with Antonio Caballeo
Palazón, owner of the local export company, Frutas Torero.







ANTONIO CABALLERO

PALAZON

ΟWNER, FRUTAS
TORERO COMPANY






Mr. Palazón, when does the table
grape season start in Murcia?
The grape season begins in the first days
of July, while we come from the best sea-
son of the last five years, as there was a
great demand and low production.

What varieties does Frutas Torero
choose?
The preferred varieties for Murcia grapes
are the seedless, the white the red and the What is the position of table grape
black as well. Every variety must be on cultivations, among other fruit crops
time because it is crucial for us to achieve in Murcia?
the best quality and, in fact, at the peak of Murcia has an ideal climate and soil for
demand. growing table grapes, which is why grape- Murcia has an ideal climate
vines are gaining ground, where other
In general, are there issues in the crops were formerly cultivated. and soil for growing table
post-collection phase that the Span-
ish industry can improve? In closing, do you think that the grapes, which is why
Yes. These are about prolonging the changes in consumer habits caused
post-harvest life of grapes, as each time by the pandemic will affect grapes as grapevines are gaining
we seek to reach more distant markets well? ground, where other crops
and our grapes need to get there in the No, I don’t think that this will hap-
best possible condition. However, I believe pen. Grapes are widely known for their were formerly cultivated
that most of the issues have to do with the health-friendly ingredients and are con-
management of grapes during cultivation. sumed in all countries of the world.


JULY 2020

“EXCELLENT QUALITY


FOR THE SICILIAN GRAPES”



The new season of table grapes in Sicily has started without any
problems caused by the weather or quarantine measures, according
to what Salvatore Sciume, commercial consultant for GB Italia, says
at Frutonea.






SALVATORE SCIUME

MARKET CONSULTANT, GB ITALIA






Have you already started the harvest
of the new table grapes? At which
level does the producer price stand
up to now?
Gbitalia with its headquarters in Sicily in
Canicatti (ag) has started the collection of
the new grapes and therefore also the dis-
tribution for Europe. The price is slightly
lower than the previous year.

How was the cultivation period of the Could you estimate the production
grapes? Was Sicily affected negative- volume in Sicily this year? It will be
ly by any adverse weather conditions lower or higher compared to last sea-
or by the quarantine measures? son?
The cultivation period in Sicily was ex- As for the volumes I can speak only for
cellent. Weather conditions have made this our company. They will surely be higher We produce grapes of various
excellent cultivation possible. As regards than the previous season but at this point types, both white and red.
the quarantine measures adopted, i must I believe that the same will happen also in
say that they did not influence our sector. all sicily. Obviously, mainly we work
Finally, the pandemy has changed a lot
Which varieties dominate the produc- the consumer habits. How do you face the with the grapes Italy PGI
tion of GB Italia and when does the new marketing season of the grapes? Canicatti, which brings
harvesting season end? Regarding fruit sector, I believe that the
We produce grapes of various types, pandemy has not changed the habits of the maximum of the quality
both white and red. Obviously, mainly we the consumers. As everyone loves grapes
work with the grapes Italy PGI Canicatti, they will never lack from any family table. and the best flavor
which brings the maximum of the quality We face the new season with optimism as
and the best flavor that exists on the mar- we always work hard, day after day and we that exists on the market
ket. In reference to the harvesting season, always give the best starting from the de-
I have to say that it changes according to tails. This is what makes the difference at
the period. However we produce from June the quality and brings happiness to all of
to November. our partners and thus, to the consumers.



JULY 2020

Food packaging


The safest preservation method for table grapes



• The only dual release itself if there is a break • Chemicals cannot spill out
SO2 generating pads in the cold chain if the sheet is accidentally
torn
• Designed to offer the • Grapes stored with
longest preservation period UVASYS do not accumulate • The manufacturer of
high sulphite residues, UVASYS is BRC certified
• Once activated the sheet levels are usually < 5ppm
emits a steady dose of SO2, • A single-release SO2 pad
evenly spread in the carton • UVASYS sheets need not (UVAUNO) is also available,
be removed before the carton for limited storage time and
• The sheet does not expend reaches the supermarket lower cost







6 Vouliagmenis Ave., GR-16675 Glyfada
Tel: +30 210 9635564, Fax:+ 30 210 5584315, E-mail: [email protected]