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UNIPAK 2ND COVER
TEX 1
MSC 3
VELVITA 7
AC EPISKOPI 11
MENELAOS 13
POLITIS BROS 17 In this issue
PLASTIKA KRITIS 19
DOLE 24 All the latest news about
the new peach and nectarine season in Greece


Good start for the Greek apricots


The Greek watermelons
get high prices and increases its exports



4 PRODUCTS








ÒPeaches






START FOR A STRANGE SEASON




The new peach season has begun, with the early varieties from Southern Greece making their appear-
ance in early May, and being easily and effortlessly absorbed. But what everyone is interested in is how
the season will turn out when the harvest starts from Northern Greece.
















































We are going through the 20th week of at lower levels, from the initial estimates. tion of citrus or olive.However, the interest
the year and the new season for peaches People that are well aware of these prod- of all the merchants has already turned to
has started from the estates of Southern ucts attribute this development to the mild Northern Greece - so let’s see how the sit-
Greece. The first shipments from this ar- winter this year, which did not leave the uation is in this area.
ea had a very good commercial course, en- trees having the required lethargy. In addi-
joying high prices, but, as it turned out, the tion, we must add the fact that a number of The area of Tyrnavos
volume of production in almost all produc- producers left the cultivation of peach and The losses in production are great, from
tion centers of the Peloponnese fluctuated nectarine - and replaced it with the cultiva- the frosts of March, to the whole area of


JUNE 2020

The Commercial Course
What we are observing at the moment
is that the production of Southern Greece
will not coincide with those of Central and
Northern Greece. So, by the first week of
June, the peaches will be minimal - and as
a result, the selling prices of the product
will be kept at high levels. But the continu-
ity is expected to be just as good, because
the peaches will be few this year. Of course,
what remains to be seen is whether there
will be an impact on the smooth flow of the
harvest, due to the lack of land workers. In
our view, this issue will be resolved sooner
or later, one way or another, and everything
will go on smoothly.
On the other hand, it seems there will be
no big tourist wave in Greece this year, as
many Europeans will prefer to spend their
Tyrnavos. Circles from this area estimate This year, trade partnerships summer holidays in their country and at
that peach production will be reduced by their own cottages. However, this does not
about 40% this year, compared to a nor- have been launched between mean that consumption will decrease, as
mal year. It should be noted here that in the at the same time we expect that the con-
area of Tyrnavos, several producers have «strong players», so that the sumption of summer fruits by households
abandoned or uprooted their crops of ta- will increase, both in our country and in
ble peaches and this development contrib- products can be handled by a other European countries. This develop-
uted to the reduction of the total volume of single Sales Center, regarding ment will result in increased demand for
peach production in Tyrnavos. peaches from various European countries
But this year in Tyrnavos will be marked the domestic market throughout the summer.
not only by the reduced volume of pro- At this point, we should add that Spanish
duction, but also by the delay in produc- production is declining this year - and this
tion. Now, when it comes to fruit quality, may give a further impetus to the export of
we can’t say much at this time - although our products.
it looks like small fruit sizes will be on the Concluding our reference to the com-
rise this year. mercial course of the products, let’s also
mention that trade partnerships have been
The area of Imathia and Pella launched this year between “strong play-
These areas are considered - and rightly ers”, so that the products can be handled
so - to be the “heart” of our country’s peach by a single Sales Center - and this may sig-
and nectarine cultivation, as these areas nificantly affect the pricing of peach and
produce the largest volume of these prod- nectarine, especially in the domestic mar-
ucts. But in the last 5 years, things have ket. But more on this topic, we will be able
been going from bad to worse in Imathia to say in our next issue.
and Pella, as the crop has received heavy All these generate optimism that this
blows from the weather, while the low pro- Western Macedonia “strange” year for peaches and nectarines
ducer prices have given the final blow. So, In Velventos, which is the largest pro- may, finally be profitable. But let’s keep
every year, many estates with table peach- duction center in this Region, the cultiva- low ambitions, as we do not yet know how
es are abandoned or uprooted - and that’s tion is evolving without problems. Accord- the various “merchants” who flourish in the
what happened last year. In addition, we ing to circles in the area, there is some plain of Imathia and Pella - and not only
must add that many growers have not do- damage this year from the March frosts, - will behave. Let’s don’t forget that they
ne the necessary fertilizing and other crop but the damage is limited to some varieties have often proved to us that the only trade
care this year - and this will probably affect - and so, perhaps in a few weeks, the sup- policy they know is their own profit and not
the quality of the fruit. Also, we must add ply from this area will move to lower levels the good commercial course of the whole
the fact that there is a serious issue with than normal. sector. Let’s hope that in the end every-
land workers this year. All these problems, In this area as well, the harvest is ex- thing will go well and that this year will be
as it seems, will affect the quality of the pected to begin a few days later than in better than the previous.
fruit, with the result that the quality peach- a normal year - although a possible May
es will be few in these areas this year. heatwave may overturn this scenario.
T.O.

6 INTERVIEW
































VANGELIS KARAINDROS

PEACH PRODUCTOR IN VERIA -
MEMBER OF VENUS GROWERS







Mr. Karaindros, let’s start our dis-
cussion with the peach for the tin in-
dustry. Give us a comment about last
season and what it left in the hands of “THIS YEAR MARKET IS TIERRA INCOGNITA”
the industry.
The results from last year’s season re-
garding peaches are mixed. The raw ma- For the peaches and nectarines of Veria, the relatively well-known
terials were payed by the factories at 26 element of this season is that the volume of production will prob-
cents and from there on each organization
made its reservations. The 26 minutes are ably be slightly reduced. The rather unknown element, however, is
considered as a mediocre price, which is how will the market welcome the products.
further degraded by the high costs of the
production teams. In conclusion, the pro-
ducers were paid 22-25 cents for the main
varieties. In late varieties, e.g. at evert, a require producers to be the first to work ef- was a mediocre year, which may have left a
3-minute premium was given by a few in- ficiently. good impression on some due to the cata-
dustries. Unfortunately, last year the imbalance strophic course of the fresh peach.
However, in addition to the medium pric- between supply and demand in the man-
es, the producers had to face terrible prob- ufacturing sector began to show itself, as Are there any estimates for this year’s
lems on the production front, as succes- small but not insignificant quantities of volume of production in Veria?
sive hailstorms and storms hit the plain peaches remained in the field and were It is difficult at this time to estimate the
of Imathia in 2019. The damage was great not received by the industries. This trend volume of production in the area. There are
and the majority of farmers are still waiting in years of normal production, i.e. without several complaints from producers about
for compensation from ELGA. In addition to damage from weather conditions, will be- reduced fruitset in the Andros-Katerina va-
the immediate damage caused to a part of come more intense as many areas have rieties. The situation from estate to estate
a farm’s production, hail also boosts pro- been planted with peaches, while at the and from variety to variety is different, as
duction costs due to the higher wages re- same time the processing capabilities of in some estates we have satisfactory pro-
quired to pick fruits in the field, as factories the industries have remained stable. duction and we simply have reduced clear-
In summary, I would say again that it ing needs while in others the reduction in


JUNE 2020

The trend of peach

abandonment remains

and several producers who
grow both peaches and
nectarines continue

to change the balance,

giving more weight
to nectarine, which, however,
remains minority




production is really big.
At the same time, however, new estates weight of unsold quantities, for which a try to work in the fields has been achieved.
are being put into production, as the 2013- way out must be found. They also come every day to work un-
2018 planting wave is beginning to show On the other hand, a puzzle for strong employed people from areas of Western
its’ dynamic. This means that factories will players is how the measures for covid-19 Macedonia. In any case, there is still a lack
not have problems collecting the quanti- will affect the process of the factories. If of workforce and this has been decisive for
ties needed to cover their orders. Unsta- there are strict restrictions on the number the quality of the various processes.
ble factor, especially in recent years, are of staff working in each shift, production
the storms and hail in the heart of summer costs will increase dramatically. Finally, regarding fresh peaches and
that destroy large amounts of peaches in a Finally, the Trump administration’s tar- nectarines, what are the estimates for
course of a single night. In conclusion, giv- iffs “blurred” the American dream as before the volume and quality of production
en the above, and provided that there are that, the United States had become a tar- in Veria?
no disasters, production will be at 90% of get country for Greek tin exports as there All I can say is that at the moment the
last year’s levels. were already large imports of tins from trees with the early varieties are more
China and Chile. Part of these imports were loaded, while in the late ones the fertiliza-
Let’s move on to the commercial field. claimed by Greece year after year. Actual- tion due to the adverse weather conditions
At first was the Trump administration’s ly, with the new data, this trend was lim- was not done properly and the atrophy is
protectionist measures in the Unit- ited but not terminated, as we had man- obvious. At the moment, unfortunately, we
ed States and then the pandemic and aged to establish stable trade relations are not going to speak with numbers, be-
quarantine measures. What’s “psy- between the Greek industries and the US cause quarantine measures have delayed
chology” at the start of this season? trading houses. the recording procedures. In general, the
Every year is different and every year trend of peach abandonment remains, and
hides its surprises but this year is the defi- What shortage of workers is there to- several producers who grow both peach-
nition of the phrase, “we are moving in tier- day and what decision are being taken es and nectarines continue to change the
ra incognita”. On the one hand, peach tin is to fill the gaps? balance, giving more weight to nectar-
a product that is more in demand in times The problem of workers’ availability is ine, which, however, remains minority. This
of increased insecurity for the consumer unfortunately great. Our Interprofession- change is due to the fact that for the past
as it is a product that you can store for a al Organizations has been active in recent four years in a row, nectarine has been able
long time and is of relatively low cost. At years to simplify the procedures for trans- to gain producer prices at 35-40 cents,
the same time, however, the closing of the ferring foreigners, and indeed the move- which is quite encouraging to strengthen
horeca industry leaves a not insignificant ment of Albanian land workers to our coun- its cultivation.

8 INTERVIEW









“LACK OF QUALITY PROBLEMS


IN PEACHES BUT ALSO LACK OF WORKERS”




Only a few words can be said about the new season of the peaches
and nectarines of Veria, according to Mr. Andreas Ovezik, head of
quality control of AC “Neos Aliakmon” in Veria. From the data so
far, it seems that there are no quality problems and the lack of land
workers is a bit mitigated.





ANDREAS OVEZIK

HEAD OF QUALITY CONTROL
AT AC NEOS ALIAKMON




Mr. Ovezik, what are the estimates for
the volume and the quality of the new
stonefruit production in Veria?
We are not in a position to give detailed
assessments, as due to the quarantine
measures, there were no official record-
ings of the cultivation hectares. However,
we can say that the early cherries, which
in our region started this year in mid-May,
and apricots as well have been badly af-
fected by the adverse weather conditions.
On the contrary in the peaches and nectar-
ines, we face no problem.

Are there any news about the lack of
workers and what will be the conse-
quences if the gaps are not filled?
From the beginning of May, those who been declining for some time now, as they ies of nectarine, to cover a productive gap
live almost permanently, 9-10 months a now prefer to move to work in northern Eu- that we had in the diary of this fruit, around
year, in Greece started coming from Alba- ropean countries. July 10-25.
nia. However, they come with the condi-
tion that they will stay in quarantine for 14 What varieties do the producers pre- However, developments in recent
days. In addition, more workers will prob- fer for peaches and nectarines? Are years have not been positive for the
ably come with a special 70-day permis- there “new appearances” on the pro- peach in Veria.
sion and on the condition that they will be duction map of the area? Indeed, many producers in Veria are
hired work exclusively for the work in the Our area has about 100 varieties of abandoning the èach cultivation because
stonefruit sector. All these do not solve peaches and 65 of nectarines. However, for of the low prices they receive, which are
the problem, they just mitigate it enough. the past ten years we have been moving not enough to cover production costs.
Let’s not forget, however, that in our re- more and more towards the red peach, and Things are hard for the fluffy peach, but the
gion, Albanian seasonal workers have now we have managed, with special variet- nectarine still seems to hold.



JUNE 2020



10 PRODUCTS






ÒApricots





THE SEASON BEGAN WITH HIGH PRICES






The production of apricots is really good in the areas of Peloponissos, whereas producers in Northern
Greece face a lot of problems due to damages from the weather.




ducer prices reaching high levels. Mogador,
Wondercott and Nymfa varieties gave the
first fruit, with their prices reaching 2 eu-
ros/kilo. This is due to the few quantities
that are produced during this time of year.
One of the good characteristics of the sea-
son is the high quality of apricots, as the
weather conditions in the area were favor-
able for the fruit. Producers in Korinthos
claim that it’s the first time in years that
there are not any damages by the weather.
If the weather continues to be good, then
it is going to be the best season of apri-
cots in years.

Argolida
Things are good in Argolida as well, but
the main problem of the area is that most
producers abandon the cultivation of apri-
cots and turn to other cultivations, such as
oranges. This is due to Corona virus and
The quantities of apricots which are not the huge consumption of oranges the lat-
many during May, because of the late sea- est period. According to the local produc-
son led the prices of the product to high ers, this is not a bad thing as Argolida is
levels this season. The quality of fruit is well known for its oranges and it needs
different per area, with the production ar- new orchards.
eas of Peloponissos making the difference The commercial season
and having the best quality in most variet- Imathia
ies. On the other hand, producers in North- began this year with a few Moving north and more specifically, the
ern Greece have to face lots of damages quantities, so their prices region of Imathia, things do not look re-
in their trees and at the same time they ally optimistic, as the damages from hail
have to find solutions regarding the lack are high and they are sold and rainfalls are many and seem to have
of workers in the area. Let’s see what the affected the total production of apricots.
situation is like at the most important pro- without any difficulties. The production volume of apricots seems
duction areas of Greece.
Apricots have made a good to be lower 50%, in comparison with last
Korinthos beginning and the high year. The harvest began in May, the quali-
ty problems are many and the land work-
The season of apricots began with the ers inadequate. Imathia is one of the areas
best perspectives in the region of Korin- temperatures in May helped where the majority of stonefruit are har-
thia, with the first quantities being har- vested by Albanians. There are many prob-
vested in the first days of May and pro- their consumption to rise



JUNE 2020

lems this season and the producers them-
selves express their fears about the next
period.

Kavala
The harvest in the area of Kavala began
on May 20th and the first estimations talk
about a slight fall of production in early va-
rieties and severe damages in medium and
late ones. The harvest of March has dam-
aged the last ones and as a result the pro-
duction volume will be lower 40%, in com-
parison with last year.

Xalkidiki
In the area of Xalkidiki there are damag-
es in the cultivations of apricots from the
rainfalls of March, which are present in al-
most all varieties. More specifically, the
production of early varieties will be really
lower in comparison with last year, where- The market
as things will be better for Tirinthos vari- The commercial season began this year with a few quantities, so their prices
ety and Bebekou. Nevertheless, producers are high and they are sold without any difficulties. Apricots have made a good
claim that they will face problem with their beginning and the high temperatures in May helped their consumption to rise.
land workers, who seem to be not many in
the area.








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: info@asepiskopis.gremail: info@asepiskopis.gr

12 INTERVIEW



“ORANGES REPLACE APRICOTS


IN THE AREA OF ARGOLIDA”




Good start for the apricots in the areas of Argolida and Korinthos!
According to Mr. Grigoris Papoutsis, Owner of Alfa Papoutsis
Company, the prices are high for this time of year, due to small
quantities of products.






GRIGORIS PAPOUTSIS

OWNER OF ALFA
PAPOUTSIS COMPANY




Mr. Papoutsis, what is your opinion
about the new season of apricots in
Peloponnesus?
The first quantities were produced during
the first days of May, proving the producers
right about their estimations for an early
season. The harvest began with Mogador
and Wondercott varieties, it went on with
Tom Cott and in a few days the first quanti-
ties of Orange Red will be produced. In con- In Korinthos, they are exportable. Everyone wants to
trast with Northern Greece, apricots have cultivate the most productive and qualita-
been affected positively by the weath- the characteristic tive variety. This is something that cannot
er conditions so far and they do not have be achieved…
quality problems from frosts and rainfalls. of this season is the lack
of Tirinthos variety, What about the plantings of trees?
Are you satisfied by the price levels Our plantings stand at the same levels.
of the fruit? which tends to be replaced What is noticed this season is the fact that
Yes, producer prices began at 2 euros/ many producers abandon the cultivation of
kilo, whereas they reached 1, 10 euros/ki- by red varieties of apricots. apricots and turn to the one of oranges?
lo last year. Nevertheless, these prices are This is due to the high consumption of or-
due to low quantities for this time of sea- In the area of Argolida, lots anges because of the Corona virus. This is
son. The good news is that all the quan- of producers choose varieties, something positive as Argolida is a citrus
tities produced are absorbed by the mar- area and this change was needed.
ket. The balance in the markets will come without knowing their
at the end of May. Regarding the demand in the mar-
trade names and whether kets, what do you see this season?
Regarding the varieties of apricots in COVID – 19 has created new habits. One
your cultivations, what’s new? or not they are exportable of them is the higher consumption of fruit
In Korinthos, the characteristic of this and vegetables at home. If we add the fact
season is the lack of Tirinthos variety, that the high temperatures began too ear-
which tends to be replaced by red varieties ly this summer, then apricots have surely
of apricots. In the area of Argolida, lots of an advantage this year, regarding the con-
producers choose varieties, without know- sumption. I hope the high demand for apri-
ing their trade names and whether or not cots continues.


JUNE 2020



14 PRODUCTS











ÒCherries GOOD START BUT, WHAT’S NEXT?




The season began really well for the early varieties of cherries, as the weather has favorable
for the cultivation and the prices reached high levels.


traders, who made their purchases direct-
ly from the field.
The next period
The producers are worried about ma-
ny things. First of all, they are concerned
about the weather, as cherries are real-
ly vulnerable if hails and rainfalls take
place. Secon of all, they worry about the
land workers. Will people come from Al-
bania, like the previous years? And if they
come, will there be enough trucks so that
they transfer the quantities to Europe?
Apart from all the above, producers have
to worry about the corona virus this year.
What happens if there are cases at a pack-
ing house or village?

The conclusion
As we can see, the main problems of this
season not only for cherries but the rest of
stonefruit are the following:
We are going through week 20 and the produced are easily absorbed by the mar-
harvest of cherries has been smooth so ket, despite the fact their prices are high • The weather conditions
far, as the rainfalls are a few and this helps (4-4.50 euros/kilo). It must be noted down • The workers at the field,
the packing house
the quality of the products not to be af- at this point that the majority of the ear-
fected negatively.The quantities that are ly quantities were bought by Romanian • The number of trucks
• The impact of Corona virus


























JUNE 2020

“GOOD BEGINNING

FOR THE WATERMELONS OF ILIA REGION”




The season for watermelons in Ilia was moving so far with small
volumes that the market was absorbing quickly and with good
prices, while the end of May brings an increase in the harvest rate.








THANASIS ZAFEIRAKIS

SHAREHOLDER
OF ZAFIRAKIS FRUITS




Mr. Zafeirakis, when did the harvest
begin in the region of Ilia and when
will we reach the productive peak of
the region?
In Ilia, the first watermelons were
cut during the Holy Week and until the
first-second week of May the productivi- how do prices fluctuate?
ty was at 30-40 tons per hectare. The har- So far there is a great demand from
vest from the outdoor crops starts on May abroad, mainly from the Balkan countries.
25, while around June 15 we will be in our As for the prices, they are good. Specifical-
most productive phase, with 60-80 tons In the last three years, an ly, we started at 0.50 euros per kilo and we
per hectare and we will finish the season have reached 0.55-0.60 euros.
at the end of August. increase of 5-10% has been
What volume of production is expect- recorded every year in the Do you see problems with truck avail-
ability or other problems due to the
ed this year and what types of water- pandemic?
melons are the ones that stand out? watermelon plantations of In general, we were afraid of how the
We estimate that there will be an in- Ilia, with the largest growth pandemic would affect the season, but
crease in production by 10-15% compared in the end, watermelon seems to remain
to last year. So far, watermelons of the coming from outdoor crops untouched. However, the problems with
type bostana were in the forefront. From the adequacy of trucks exist every year,
the first week of May, began the produc- as they become relatively difficult to find
tion of the variety selini and from the 15th when we reach the peak of production.
of May the variety varela, which together
with the Florida variety are the main vari- In closing, tell us how watermelon
eties of the area. ers chose not to plant mini-watermelons plantations have evolved in Ilia in re-
again this year and, thus, their production cent years.
What place do mini watermelons oc- reduction will reach around 30% this year. In the last three years, there has been a
cupy in the production of the area? 5-10% increase every year, with the larg-
Last year we had a lot of production How are exports going so far? Which est growth coming from the outdoor crops.
in this type. However, due to the low ab- markets play a leading role in the I believe that this year will determine the
sorption and the low prices, many produc- absorption of Greek watermelon and
continuation of this trend.


JUNE 2020

16 INTERVIEW









ÒOranges




PRICES AT HIGH LEVELS THIS SEASON




The demand for oranges may be lower in comparison with last month, but the producer
prices still stand at high levels.


a good commercial way the next years
and so will their prices. Let’s see how
things are at one of the most important
production areas of oranges at the mo-
ment, Skala of Lakonia.

Good demand
Until mid-April the producers in Skala
did not make business deals, as they could
see that the demand and prices of orang-
es would rise. Indeed, in a few weeks pro-
ducer prices reached 0,45 euros/kilo from
0,20 euros/kilo. With these prices, traders
began making their deals and this is how
the trade had a balance. Let’s note down
that the demand for citrus was really high
during Easter and then it started being
lower.
The quality of fruit
What worries the traders is the small
caliber of most fruit, which does not in-
We are going through week 20 and the
only variety of oranges that is traded in the terest the buyers. This is why the sector
market is Valencia, as all the other variet- of HORECA, which asked this kind of cali-
bers, is still closed, due to corona virus. Of
ies have come to their end. Valencia orang-
es are sold in high prices and producers and course, in May the fruit in most production
areas have a good size and this is no lon-
traders are satisfied more than ever during What worries the traders
this season. is the small caliber of most ger a problem
This is due to COVID-19, which led to The next period
high consumption of citrus. We must note fruit, which does not interest As we said before producer prices reach
down that many traders
estimate that oranges the buyers. This is why 0.40-04.5 euros/kilo at the moment and
will have producers seem to be really satisfied. Re-
the sector of HORECA, garding the production volume, it is real-
ly low this year. The best scenario is pric-
which asked this kind es reaching 0.50 euros/kilo next month and
of calibers, is still closed, during July the prices might reach even
higher levels. Nevertheless, Covid – 19
due to corona virus will lead the way and we will have a better
point of view in the following period.




JUNE 2020



18 INTERVIEW








“THE EGYPTIAN IMPORTS


OF POTATOES HARMED THE SEASON

OF DOMESTIC POTATOES”




The season of potatoes may have started with the best perspec-
tives, but the fears that experienced traders had expressed at the
beginning of the season came true. Mr. George Goumas, Owner
of Agrexpo S.A. Company, which is based in the area of Messin-
ia, explains with clarity the reason why the season of potato has
GEORGE GOUMAS collapsed.

OWNER OF AGREXPO S.A.
ernment soon, then the impact will be
negative. If the producers get financial
help, then next season of potatoes will
be saved.
Even though the domestic Are there many quantities of Egyp-

potato market is adequate, tian potatoes in the domestic mar-
Mr. Goumas, the situation in Greek ket, a few days before June?
potato market was good and things Egyptian potatoes are Even though the domestic potato mar-
changed in May. What happened? ket is adequate, Egyptian potatoes are
Potato was one of the products that still present in Greece. still present in Greece. Unfortunately, we
had record sales, due to COVID-19. At Unfortunately, we see that see that quantities from Egypt affect our
least at the beginning, because the panic production once more this year. They do
in combination with the imports of Egyp- quantities from Egypt affect not affect only the domestic sales, but
tian potatoes led to what we had predict- also our exports to Europe, as many Eu-
ed at the beginning: many quantities in our production once more ropean countries, such as Poland, import
the market and low prices of the product. Egyptian potatoes at really low prices.
At the beginning of May, the market could this year. They do not affect
not absorb the quantities offered by the only the domestic sales, but Is there any way that imports from
domestic market and the imports FROM Egypt are eliminated?
Egypt and as a result the season col- also our exports to Europe, Of course, there is a way. First of all,
lapsed. Everybody talks about a bad sea- the controls should be more at the mar-
son for Greek potatoes. as many European countries, kets, as lots of quantities from Egypt are
sold as Greek at the domestic market.
What are the main problems that such as Poland, import Secondly, there should be labels at Su-
have been caused at the sector? Egyptian potatoes at really per markets that define the origin of each
The low prices (0.17-0.20 euros/kilo product, so that the consumer knows
during May caused many problems to the low prices what they buy.
domestic producers, who cannot pay for
the main costs. This is in my opinion the When do you think that the potato
main problem of the season. market can have a balance?
It is really hard to say. When we know
What is the impact of this situation to what the financial aid is, then we can talk
the plantings of next year? about this. Until then, the sector will be
If measures are not taken by the gov- messed up.



JUNE 2020



20 INTERVIEW






“THE SEASON CLOSED


WITH LOW PRICES FOR LEAFY VEGETABLES”



Labis Lagos, the Owner of Labidino SA, talks about the season of
leafy vegetables which closed with low vegetables for most catego-
ries, due to the high production volumes. He also talks about the
new season of sweet corn, one of the main products of Labidino
S.A. and one of the consumer’s favorite snacks during the summer
months.


LABIS LAGOS

OWNER OF LABIDINO SA








Mr. Lagos, has it been a good season
for leafy vegetables?
I would say that it hasn’t been a fa-
vorable season for this category of prod-
ucts, as the warm winter led to high tem-
peratures and high production as well for
most leafy vegetables. Then corona virus
brought difficulties in our country and we we as a company were about to culti-
lost our rhythms. As a result, the prices vate more products for next season, but
fell at low levels for most vegetables. we decided to keep our areas steady. as
a result, the cultivation of leafy vegeta-
Which product had the biggest sales? This season is early for bles and sweet corn will be the same as
Once more this year the sales of let- last year.
tuce hit record levels and leafy salads sweet corn and the quantities
ranked second. Let’s talk about the production of
from the outdoor cultivations sweet corn. Are you optimistic about this
What was the impact of COVID-19 at season?
the consumption of leafy vegetables? will be harvested the last This season is early for sweet corn and
Corona virus was favorable for most week of May. Its prices the quantities from the outdoor cultiva-
vegetables. The retail sales were not af- tions will be harvested the last week of
fected in a negative way by COVID-19. are satisfying so far and will May. Its prices are satisfying so far and
What was affected really badly was will be steady during the season. If ev-
HORECA sector, which absorbs most be steady during the season. erything goes according to plan, then our
quantities of our products. Still, we are quantities will last until November.
worried about the our sales during the If everything goes according
summer, given the fact that the tourists to plan, then our quantities Are your exports going according to
will not be many this year. plan?
will last until November Yes, so far so good. Our exports To Eu-
Will all the above influence your cul- rope will continue until mid-June, as
tivated areas the next period? that is when the European production of
Of course. I will not hide the fact that sweet corn starts.



JUNE 2020

FRUIT ATTRACTION 2020
ADAPTING ITS FORMAT TO STIMULATE THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE




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 the Organising Committee for Fruit Attrac-
from 20 to 22 October with Flower & Gar- tion, adds that “we continue to work to-
den Attraction and with the new Fresh wards October, in a scenario of a return to a
Food Logistics project, which offers solu- certain normality, because we need to see
tions for the entire cold chain, continues each other’s faces and work to help com-
with the organisation and planning of its We continue to work towards panies continue selling and growing. Fruit
12th year. The trade fair will incorporate Attraction will be a great tribute to and
new elements into its format with the aim October, in a scenario recognition of all the professionals in the
of serving as a fulcrum to promote the re- of a return to a certain fruit and vegetable sector who have been
construction of international trade rela- working intensively in the field, in main-
tions within the fruit and vegetable sec- normality, because we need taining supplies, in the factories, in logis-
tor. It takes place in October, which is the tics, in distribution, in marketing, in ware-
key time for the sector. The confidence of to see each other’s faces houses, and at the points of sale around
the sector as a whole, and the support of the world during these months of confine-
the international Fruit Attraction commu- and work to help companies ment and uncertainty”.
nity to speed up the recovery, has allowed continue selling and growing
the fair to have recorded an increase of 5% Functionality
in registrations for participation, compared and commercial utility
to the same dates last year. IFEMA and the Community of Madrid
relations for the entire fruit and vegetable have agreed to dismantle in May the Emer-
A tribute sector value chain. During these months of gency Hospital that its facilities are cur-
to the members of the sector COVID-19, our agri-food sector has shown rently hosting, as will happen with the re-
“We have a responsibility to celebrate and will continue to show the community source made available to the homeless.
Fruit Attraction 2020 together. I am sure as a whole all its strengths, reaffirming it- This will allow the maintenance projects
that when it closes its doors on 22 Octo- self as a strategic and fundamental sector and investments scheduled for the sum-
ber, all the heads of the participating com- for our social structure’s food supply and mer months to be carried out, ensuring the
panies will be proud to have contributed to confidence”, says fair director, Raúl Calleja. infrastructure is in optimal condition to re-
the reconstruction of international trade Jorge Brotons, president of Fepex and sume activity in September.




JUNE 2020

22 EXHIBITION








eo calls on a platform available for smart-
phones and laptops), with prearranged or
spontaneous agendas between exhibiting
companies and buyers from all over the
world that are part of the entire Fruit At-
traction digital community. This will enable
the fair to put forward new value streams
for customers who are unable to attend.
The intense specialised programme of
congresses, conferences, debates, compa-
ny presentations, etc. covering the entire
value chain will also take place in a mixed
format, and will begin virtually with the
“VIRTUAL FRUIT FORUM” on 14 October,
for the entire Fruit Attraction internation-
al community. There will then be daily digi-
tal events with high-value content up until
the start of Fruit Attraction on 20 October,
when the on-site events will begin, includ-
ing the BIOFRUIT CONGRESS that will be
The new provisions that IFEMA will im- held on the 22 October.
plement in the coming months include ser-
vices such as a thermal solution for mea- In compliance
suring body temperature that will be with hygienic protocols
incorporated to help monitor people ac- All the conference spaces, common ar-
cessing the site. Optimising costs, minimising eas, working areas and the layout of the
Aware of the uncertainty, but in a context fair are designed and planned to comply
of having to generate commercial sourcing risks and simplifying setting with all the social and hygienic protocols
and supply opportunities to match interna- up the stands for the set by the authorities, with capacity con-
tional fruit and vegetable supply and de- trol and management systems, tempera-
mand, accompany companies in the new participating companies ture monitoring, etc. ensuring the health
investment scenario and minimise the and safety of everyone attending the
risks associated with participating in Fruit will be another of the event, who will previously receive a Post
Attraction, work is already under way on a strategic pillars of Fruit Covid-19 Behavioural Recommendations
new format in which the “functionality and Guide.
commercial utility intrinsic to the fair” will Attraction 2020 Optimising costs, minimising risks and
be enhanced. It will probably be less so- simplifying setting up the stands for the
cial in order to preserve attendees’ health participating companies will be another
and safety (access management and ca- of the strategic pillars of Fruit Attraction
pacity limits, temperature monitoring, hy- 2020. It will make two types of modular
giene-sanitary measures, etc.). customisable stands available, Basic and
Premium, that are all inclusive and include
Hi-tech digital tools 3 Premium WIFI connections, to effective-
This means moving away from group- ly manage video calls with participating re-
ing many visitors together and toward an of international buying and selling, sup- mote buyers. This service is also included
event model that focuses on buying and ply agreements, campaign planning, news, for all exhibitors participating with custom
selling processes and presenting new de- face-to-face and virtual forums and de- designed stands.
velopments, innovations and know-how bates, all taking advantage of IFEMA’s 5G The online Participating Companies Di-
for this new market and consumption sce- technology. rectory will play a leading role, since it
nario. Three days during which the indus- Fruit Attraction will be held at a time will be essential for identifying compa-
try comes together to generate and de- when visitors from many countries will be nies, products, news, contacts, agenda and
velop commercial relationships in a mixed able to attend the event in person and oth- eMeeting services, etc. for all those visi-
face-to-face and digital format, enhancing ers will participate digitally through a new tors who cannot attend the event in per-
the quality of the buyer profile. Three days B2B-eMeeting service (30-45 minute vid- son.



JUNE 2020

MACFRUT DIGITAL
THE FRUIT & VEGETABLE SECTOR ON YOUR PC




Macfrut 2020 goes Digital. From 8 to 10 September 2020, Italy’s international showcase for the fresh
produce industry will offer business opportunities through a digital platform that will bring together
buyers from all over the world, opening up new international markets for the sector. This innovative
project makes Macfrut the first digital trade fair for the fruit and vegetable industry.


ister on macfrutdigital.com (registration is
free of charge). Once logged in, visitors will
be able to view an interactive map broken
down by product sector and explore all the
virtual “stands” to find out more about an
exhibitor’s product range, request informa-
tion, and hold and live stream B2B meet-
ings.
There are plenty of advantages for ex-
hibitors: an agenda of scheduled meetings
with buyers and the opportunity to inter-
act, also face-to-face with live streaming,
with professionals from all over the world.
The uncertainty surrounding the cur- More than 500 buyers, invited by the or-
rent health emergency has made it diffi- ganisers, will be selected in collaboration
cult to organise the traditional trade fair, with the ICE-Agency (Italian Trade Agen-
now in its 37th edition, in the usual way. It- cy), with which Macfrut has been working
aly is striving to reaffirm its leading posi- together with excellent results for many
tion in the sector, and this approach is in The international trade fair years through its well-established net-
line with the current possibilities offered for the fruit and vegetable work of foreign sales agents.
by state-of-the-art technology, which pro- Buyers and business meetings are
vides a unique opportunity for the fruit and sector has always been an therefore at the heart of Macfrut Digital.
vegetable sector. Moreover, the costs for exhibitors are rath-
Hence the launch of Macfrut Digital, a event rich in content and er low: a virtual stand costs from 1,000 eu-
professional, simple and effective virtual ros (the package includes a video presen-
trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sec- technical insights on key tation, a multimedia brochure, B2B live
tor, which will be fully online. This virtual topics in the industry streaming, and an agenda of meetings with
event will not replace the physical one, but buyers).
given the current situation it is intended to In addition to covering the business side,
give all professionals involved the oppor- Macfrut Digital will host Technical Forums.
tunity to do business in the global market. The international trade fair for the fruit
Thanks to this interactive platform, exhibi- and vegetable sector has always been an
tors will be able to interact with the buyers event rich in content and technical insights
and sector professionals who will “partici- on key topics in the industry. As part of this
pate” in this three-day virtual event. long-standing commitment, during these
reach out to a large number of customers three days Macfrut Digital will host a se-
How Macfrut Digital will take and markets directly from their worksta- ries of live-streamed conferences, which
place tion; it is simple, since it uses a platform can be viewed on the Natlive platform, af-
All visitors, from all across Italy and that has been designed also for computer ter registering free of charge. The topics
from all over the world, will be able to ac- illiterate people; and it is inexpensive, free covered will include innovations in hor-
cess and participate in this three-day virtu- of charge for visitors and affordable for ex- ticulture, innovations in the greenhouse
al trade fair by using a personal device (PC, hibitors. sector, Acquacampus and innovations in ir-
tablet or smartphone). But let’s go into detail. Macfrut Digi- rigation, and the Biostimulant Forum. The
This system has three strengths: it is tal will consist of two areas: the Exhibi- platform will also be available to exhibitors
effective, since it allows participants to tion and the Forum. To log in, please reg- for dedicated events.




JUNE 2020