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FMI 2ND COVER
TEX 1
MSC 3 In this issue
VELVITA 9
ΟΚΑΑ 17 Peaches: Another season with great losses
HELLAGRO 20
Cherries: Ready to enter the markets



Apricots: Gains in the South, losses in the North!



4 PRODUCTS









ÒPeaches-Nectarines The situation in Tyrnavos and Macedonia
According to estimates so far, in the ar-
ea of Tyrnavos the production - both peach-
es and nectarines - will be minimal in the
ANOTHER BAD YEAR early varieties, ie in those that are collect-
ed until mid-June. After this period there
will be some products, but there will not be
The losses from the frost are huge this year, in all the varieties of a smooth flow in the harvest, so that some
sales planning can be done, as the damag-
peach and nectarine and in all the Production Centers of the coun- es are located in different estates, in differ-
try. This year will be difficult and very strange for the Producers ent areas and in different varieties. In Pella
and Distributors of these products. and Imathia, things will be missing until mid-
June - and there will be some peaches and
even fewer nectarines, but even in these ar-
eas there is no smooth flow in the harvest
this year. According to the estimates of trad-
ers that know this product well, in the total
production in these areas, the losses exceed
60% and may reach 70%. Note here that in
the Velventos area the loss is of the order
of 70% - and maybe even more, as this area
was hit by all the waves of frost.

Concluding
The initial estimates that I said that
by mid-June the quantities harvested on
peaches and nectarines will be minimal,
are confirmed - and it will happen. Thus,
until the 23rd week, the Market will cov-
er its needs with the minimum quantities
collected from Peloponnese - and with im-
ported quantities. Beyond that, it is esti-
mated that the domestic market will be
We are going through week 20 and the Until week 23 the Market will
peaches and nectarines of the new season able to meet its needs, with the quantities
collected from the various productive parts
from the areas of the Peloponnese, are al- cover its needs with t
ready in the Market. However, they have a he minimum quantities of the country - and the question that can
not be answered at this time is what will
«strong» opponent, the Spanish products,
which are in abundance at the moment in collected from Peloponnese - happen to the exports and how the needs
the domestic market. and with imported quantities. of these Markets will be met. Of course,
The Spanish side seems to be winning, the smooth movement of fruit is based on
as its own peaches and nectarines are su- From there, it is estimated the balance of supply and demand - and as
perior in size and other quality character- that the domestic market I see it, there are very few who talk about
how the demand for peaches and nectar-
istics to the products of the Peloponnese.
The reasons for this must be sought in will be able to meet its needs, ines will be shaped this summer. So if we
the selection of varieties, which, with the with the quantities that will take into consideration that tourism will
exception of balk cold in peaches - and a move to last year’s low levels - and at the
same time that the income of the Greek
variety of nectarine grown by the «Olive» be collected from the various
Producers Group in Laconia, do not bear productive parts consumer has decreased - but also of the
European one, then we should keep some
good fruit. However, it is equally import-
ant for the Producers of the Peloponnese of the country reservations about the commercial devel-
opment of the product. Closing, the pro-
to change their «cultural perception», es-
pecially regarding the way and the time of duction sector of the peach will experience
another catastrophic year, with all this im-
collecting the fruits.
plies for the what comes next.


JUNE 2021

“AT 80% THE DAMAGE


FOR VELVENTOS PEACHES”



It seems that this year’s season for peaches and nectarines will
unfold completely irregularly, according to Mr. Nikos Koutliabas,
president of ASEPOP Velventos. As he reports for the Velvento
area, the losses are, in general, 80%, but there is so much variation
by variety, that it becomes difficult to draw up the commercial
planning.







NIKOS KOUTLIABAS

PRESIDENT OF ASEPOP
VELVENTOS




Mr Koutliabas, what is the level of
damage caused by the April frost to
Velvento’s peaches and nectarines?
The general level of losses in the pro-
duction of our region amounts to 80% of
a normal season. No variety and no area
of Velvento has been left without serious
damage.

This, logically, means that it will be
very difficult to be able to serve large
orders with whole trucks. Correctly; would normally start on June 10, have
The situation in us, in Velvento, is very been completely affected by the frost. It is
complicated. This is how our production also too early to talk about the quality of
calendar is structured and, so different are this year’s fruit. The early varieties of
the losses that were done per region and
per variety, that we can not say that “ev- In general, what are your estimations Velvento peaches and
ery day” we will have 20% of the expected about the this season’s trade? nectarines, which would
production, so that it is possible to write The market this year seems to run com-
at least one relevant commercial program- pletely erratically, without being able to normally start on June
ming, on stable productive data. This is assess some things with the usual degree 10, have been completely
definitely not going to be the case. of “certainty”. Production in Greece and
throughout Europe is significantly reduced, affected by the frost. It is also
However, when do you start harvest- various news is circulating and the market too early to talk about the
ing? Is there any appreciation for the has really started strangely. In general, the
quality? quality of the fruit will has its word and, of quality of this year’s fruit
Nothing is certain yet. The early varieties course, the imports will also have their im-
of Velvento peaches and nectarines, which pact.



JUNE 2021

6 PRODUCTS







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SCHOLAR®, THE REGISTERED SOLUTION


IN POSTHARVEST MANAGEMENT OF STONE FRUITS





Market fluctuations and the need to provide healthy fruit in the fruit market have led those involved in
stone fruits to place more emphasis on product protection so that to ensure the highest quality.
















Fruits infected with Monilinia sp .: plum, peach, apricot, cherry, and paraguay.

That is why they rely on Scholar® 230 storage and export of peaches, nectarines,
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cinerea, Penicillium ssp., Rhizopus spp. and isfaction, in Greek or foreign markets.
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losses. The highest percentage of losses important fruit packing The company has the most complete list in
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vest solution for the safer management, in Greek or foreign markets



JUNE 2021

ÒApricots





PROFITS IN THE SOUTH, LOSSES IN THE NORTH!



The losses in apricot are severe this year, especially in the crops of Northern Greece, while in the
Peloponnese the picture is much better, with only some varieties showing a serious reduction in
production.


that this variety has royalties and many
supermarkets chains in order to include it
on their shelves require the traffickers to
provide them with trading rights certifi-
cates from the licensing company.

The next period
Entering the 21st week, the supply of
apricots will start to rise and producer pric-
es will probably fall to lower than current
levels, but still significantly higher than
last year.
It should be noted here that due to the
destruction of production in Central and
Northern Greece, the market will not be
pressured and we will find a good rate of
absorption in terms of new red varieties.
We are going through the 20th week of satisfied some producers, as their expecta- As far as the Bebeku variety is con-
the year and the early varieties of apri- tions reached the sky, but the first and last cerned, the big question here is how the
cot are on the market since the begin- factor in shaping the commercial course of manufacturing industry will move, but al-
ning of May in small quantities, of course, products is the market and it will regulate so the exports, as well as the losses in this
and with the producer prices having been prices itself. variety are great.
formed during this period around the axis However, from the evolution of prices, But more about this variety, but also in
of approximately 2.50 euros. what in our opinion is valuable, is that the general about the evolution of the com-
Day by day, however, more and more va- variety mirlo blanco, took the lead in the mercial course of apricot, you will be able
rieties are maturing and so this week, pro- taste race and so the producer prices for to find out through the pages of our next
ducer prices have fallen and are around 2 this variety were at higher levels than the issues.
euros per kilo. This development has dis- other varieties by about 20%. Note here T.O.


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8 INTERVIEW









“AFTER MAY 25TH


THE APRICOT MARKET WILL BE BALANCED”


The apricot season in the Argolida region started this year
with increased production in the early varieties, with Mr. Nikos
Sofroniadis, Owner of the Sofroniadis Co., to see a decrease
in late apricot varieties due to frost in the area and to talk about
the accumulation of quantities in May.







NIKOS SOFRONIADIS

OWNER OF SOFRONIADIS
COMPANY



Mr. Sofroniadis, the apricot harvest
has recently started in the Argolida re-
gion. What is the first image from this
year’s production of the product?
Our news is better than that of our col-
leagues from Northern Greece. The season
started with good omens and good quality. Is there a variety that stands out in the
The only thing I would say that worries us crops of your area?
is the fact that all the early varieties en- I consider Mirlo Blanco to be one of the
tered the production together, something strongest varieties that the average con-
that will create problems in the marketing sumer seems to prefer.
of apricots. We are concerned about
Are there any of the early varieties the fact that all the early In closing, will you give us a first taste
of this year’s apricot market?
that shows quality problems in their varieties entered the As I mentioned at the beginning of the
production? interview, the fact that several early vari-
On the whole, the early apricots are of production together, eties went into production has caused tur-
good quality, with the exception of the something that will create bulence in the market, as the quantities of
Wonder Cot variety, which this year has apricots are more than we were used to in
neither large quantities nor good quali- problems for us other years at the beginning of the season.
ty. Mirlo Blanco also seems to have small in the market of apricot However, I believe that since the quantities
quantities this year. Mogador and Nymph of Northern Greece are not large this year,
have a fairly large production. a balance will be come soon.

In general, will the production of apri- Producer prices started at good levels? When do you see the market balanc-
cots in Argolida be increased this year? The prices for the producer were quite ing?
In the early varieties yes. But I see re- high in the beginning as their starting price The apricot market will balance after
duced production due to the weather con- was 2.50 euros/kg, however in May they May 25th. I think it will be a good year for
ditions in the late areas of the prefecture, are adjusted depending on the variety at apricot, with good prices and market de-
which were affected by the frost. 1.50 -2.00 euros/kg. mand.



JUNE 2021



10 PRODUCTS






ÒCherries





THE SEASON BEGINS WITH SERIOUS LOSSES



The spring frosts damaged the cherry production seriously, but they could not kill it,
as a large part of its production has remained intact to the great relief of producers and traders.



good from June 10 to July 10. After this
time the supply begins to decline signifi-
cantly.
That is, the production will move at
good levels in the middle varieties, while
in the early and late varieties there are
serious losses and so the cherries will be
few at the beginning and at the end of
the season!
As for the quality of the fruits, there
are fears that the cherries may not get a
good size this year as the weather is not
yet an ally in this crop.

The commercial course
At the beginning of the season, the
Romanians traders with their small
We have entered the second fortnight trucks made a dynamic entry, paying the
of May, and the first cherries of the new first cherries up to 6 euros per kilo! Few
season have already arrived on the mar- cherries arrived in the domestic market,
ket, with very high prices, as these cher- while the supermarket chains will begin
ries were paid to the producers, from 4 to sell this fruit towards the end of the
to 6 euros per kilo. We are talking about Cherry production will be at 20th week.
very small quantities of course, as the a good level in the medium However, as production increases,
spring frosts have caused great damage prices will adjust to lower levels, but
to the early varieties. varieties, while in the early nevertheless, as it seems, will be main-
We have damages, and in fact signif- and late varieties there are tained at higher levels than last year.
icant ones, in the late varieties, that is, Traders estimate that producer prices
in the estates that are located at a high serious losses and so the for medium varieties will be around the
altitude. Specifically in the estates lo- cherries will be few at the level of approximately 2.50 euros!
cated around Lake Vegoritida and in What is important for the cultivation,
the Kozani Pirgi, the losses exceed 80% beginning and at the end of however, is that the Greek cherries will
while in other areas at high altitude the the season be present in the international markets
damage does not exceed 20%! Howev- this year as well, as the traders recon-
er, on the total production, it is estimat- sider their initial views that they would
ed that the losses will be in the range of not deal with cherries at all, as they saw
about 30-40%. that there is a sufficient production vol-
ume.
The evolution of the season This will be good for this crop and we
Based on the above data, it is estimat- can suppose that in a few years and un-
ed that until the first ten days of June, der normal conditions, the volume of its
the quantities that will be collected will production will be at very high levels!
be minimal and the cherry harvest will be T.O.



MARCH 2021

“THERE WILL BE ENOUGH


CHERRIES UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF JULY”




Mr. Dimitris Popis, of Jimmy´s Fruits, describes the cherry season
that started in Pieria in Froutonea. As he comments, a particular-
ly auspicious season is opening in front of the industry, while the
cultivation of cherries is gaining more and more acceptance from
the producers.







DIMITRIS POPIS
SHAREHOLDER
OF JIMMY’S FRUITS




Mr. Popis, what is the assessment for
the production of cherries in Pieria and
in the other regions of Macedonia?
The situation is different depending on the
altitude at which the orchards are located.
In general, the estates located up to an alti-
tude of 300 meters have been left practically
untouched by the spring frost. The problems
are located in estates located at about 600
meters, i.e. in Pyrgoi and Arnissa, where pro-
duction is reduced by 40%. and good quality fruits. In general, the in- What goals does your company set for
terest from the market is already intense for cherries?
How is the situation by variety and and given the lack of other stonefruits and This year we aim to distribute 3,000,000
therefore how will the supply in the the good production of cherries this year, kilos of cherries. Of course, we will work in
market be affected in the different we expect an easy season, without difficul- parallel with apricots, peaches, nectarines
phases of the season? ty in sales. and the rest of the fruits of Macedonia. Our
In general, there is a very small reduc- new packaging plant, which began to func-
tion in the early cherries of the burlat vari- We observe, however, that in general tion last October, has cutting edge tech-
ety, with no substantial repercussion in the there is a turn towards the cherry cul- nology that guarantees the efficient sort-
market balance. The late varieties starting tivation. ing of the fruits.
from July 10 are the ones that will give Indeed, the cultivation of cherries in our Our twelve-channel electronic calibra-
significantly less production this year. region and generally in northern Greece is tor, with 7 cameras in each channel, makes
spreading and in the coming years the pro- a successful separation of the fruits based
How did the harvest start and what do duction will increase, given the fact that on the color, the softening and other qual-
you think about the season that lays in the young orchards enter in productivity ity characteristics, at a rate of 94% and
fronts of us? age. In my opinion, this is a good thing, as with a productive dynamic at 750 kg per
The harvest in the wider area, where we it seems that in the coming years the de- hour in each channel.
operate, started with high producer prices mand from Europe will remain high.



JUNE 2021

12 PRODUCTS

































































ÒWatermelon the production of watermelon compared to
The early production of our country in
other European countries gives it the ad-
vantage every year at such a time to have
the lead in the above markets and export
large quantities, while the cultivation of
OMENS FOR A GOOD SEASON other countries is still at an early stage.
This year’s reduction in Italian and Span-
ish watermelon production due to adverse
In a year when summer fruits have been hit by the weather, water- weather conditions throughout Europe
melon seems to be gaining points, making a dynamic start with seems to make this lead of our country
even greater this year, with the result that
good prices, high quality features and strong interest from Europe- Greek watermelon exports are higher than
an markets. any other year since the beginning of the
season. These are the messages conveyed


JUNE 2021

to us by major traderss from the regions on season are hoped by domestic traffick-
of Ilia and Messinia, where the main vol- ers not to overturn the well-known issue
ume of domestic production of watermelon of hard-to-find trucks - cars that trans-
is concentrated, who among other things port domestic quantities each year to Cen-
state that this year will be a good season tral and Northeastern European countries.
for the product given the conditions. Let’s The situation is well known in the indus-
take a look at how the watermelon season try. Every year the trucks of the transport
is evolving in each of these areas. companies of the sector transport quanti-
ties of watermelon to the markets of Eu-
Ilia rope, however, if they do not find loadings
This year’s cultivation of greenhouse for back, they stay abroad, with the re-
watermelons in the region of Ilia has come sult that the Greek commercial companies
to an end, with domestic producers ex- do not find a way to send their products
pressing their satisfaction for the outcome to the above markets. as a result, some
of the season. This year’s greenhouse vol- quantities remain unavailable and their
umes were increased by 10%, compared to prices fall. The issue has grown in recent
last year, a particularly positive fact as the years. The failure to find an effective solu-
increased demand from Europe was com- tion worries watermelon traffickers who,
fortably met. Producer prices are also at despite seeing demand for their products,
satisfactory levels, which at the time of feel powerless to act.
writing - in the second half of May - are However, with regard to the current sea-
0.50 euros / kg. Regarding the outdoor cul- son, the traders as a whole do not see
tivation of Ilia, the main varieties that com- any cause for concern at this time, as we
pose the production this year are the “mel- are still at the beginning of the season. In
ons” and the “moon” - and at the beginning June, the picture of how the situation will
of June we will have the first quantities of develop during the rest of the season will
outdoor watermelons from the wider area be clearer.
of Ilia, which will last approximately until
July 10. Then the outdoor watermelon har- This year’s trends
vest will continue at a gradually declining The trend that made its first steps timid-
pace until September. It is estimated that ly in the last five years and it is estimated
by July 10, 60-70% of the outdoor water- that this year will dominate the Greek mar-
melons of Ilia will have been traded. ket, is the “half” watermelon. Talking to
the responsible buyers of the S / M chains,
Messinia we found out that this is the new trend of
The first cuts of outdoor watermelons in the last years during the summer, which
the region of Messinia took place in mid- not only has an effect, but seems to be
May, with the market climate being very gradually increasing the sales of the fruit.
positive and favorable for the development This move of S / M and other points of sale,
of the season. The total production vol- such as neighborhood grocery stores, al-
ume of about 6,000 acres of outdoor cul- lows the purchase of watermelon to peo-
tivation in the area is estimated at 42,000 ple who want, but can not afford to con-
tons, with the majority of watermelons - sume a whole watermelon. On the other
about 70% - being round and the remain- hand, in this way the watermelon has be-
ing 30% being barrel type. The total culti- come more accessible to the households
vation of watermelon in the area follows of one person of all ages, who can not ac-
the same pattern in recent years, without tually consume a whole watermelon, thus
showing particular differences from year to avoiding buying it.
The trend that made year. The only thing that the domestic traf- The mini-watermelons will have an
its first steps timidly fickers of the region point out that it differs equally dynamic presence this year, which
seems to be gaining more and more share
in comparison with other years is the lim-
in the last five years ited quantities of mini watermelon planted in the cultivation of watermelon, as they
and it is estimated that this year in Messinia, due to the hard-to- are preferred by more consumers year by
find seeds of these varieties in the mar-
year.
this year will dominate kets, as they typically say. As a result, the “half” and the mini wa-
the Greek market, Will trucks be hard to find this year? termelon seem to come first to the prefer-
ences of consumers during this summer, as
is the «half» watermelon The conditions for a good outcome the small sizes of watermelons are easily
shown by the start of this year’s watermel- accessible in every home.



JUNE 2021

14 INTERVIEW









WORLD CITRUS ORGANIZATION
WCO PRESENTS ANNUAL SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE


PRODUCTION & EXPORT FORECAST



This preliminary forecast is collected from member industry associations in Argentina, Australia,
Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Africa, and Uruguay.



On 12 May 2021, the World Citrus Organ-
isation celebrated its first Annual Meeting
online, following the official creation of the
organisation last year. During the AGM, the
WCO Secretariat presented the consolida-
tion of the production and export forecasts
for the forthcoming Southern Hemisphere
citrus season 2021. This preliminary fore-
cast is collected from member industry as-
sociations in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia,
Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Africa, and Uru-
guay.
The WCO held its Annual meeting ending
a first year of activities. The Co-chairs of
the association, Jose Antonio Garcia (Ail-
impo) and Justin Chadwick (CGA) agreed to
state: “The full first year of operation al-
lowed the organisation to quickly build a
representative association and provide the
benefits and value to the members”.
During the meeting, the preliminary fore-
cast presented shows that the 2021 citrus
Southern Hemisphere crops is expected to
reach 22.7 million tons, which represents
an increase of 3.18% compared to the 2020 vided for the forecast remains preliminary, sphere today represents 27% of the global
crop. Export is expected to increase by with the official Brazilian data expected to citrus market.” During WCO’s AGM, mem-
12.72% to 3.8 million tons. Philippe Binard, be confirmed in the coming weeks. bers also reviewed the past season’s re-
Secretary General of WCO stated while By citrus categories, the soft citrus sults with a focus on the impact of the
presenting the data : “following the out- showed the greatest increase in produc- covid pandemic, and analysed the estima-
break of the COVID-19 pandemic, a posi- tion, by 10.57%, with a significant increase tions for the current season.
tive trend of consumers’ demand for fruit in export volumes of over 20% to 1 mil- In addition, during the meeting, Nata-
and veg. was noted, in particular for citrus lion tonnes of export. Orange production lia Santos, Deputy Secretary General of
fruit, widely recognised for its high nutri- remained broadly stable (+1.93%), whilst WCO announced that: “Members decided
tional value, notably in terms of vitamin C lemon (+2.37%) and grapefruit (+6.44%) to set-up a formal working group on health
content. The large volume available is pos- showed greater increases. Exports are al- & nutrition. This will enable better knowl-
itive news as it will meet the increased de- so expected to increase for all varieties, edge-exchange among members on cit-
mand”. On the processing side, a total of orange (+11.55%), lemon (+7.20%) and rus nutritional assets and will also con-
13.4 million tonnes of citrus are expected grapefruit (+9.56%). Eric Imbert (CIRAD- tribute towards a better understanding
to be destined to the juice market, which Technical Secretariat of WCO) indicated: of the health attributes of citrus. The first
constitutes a slight increase of 1.26% “The Southern Hemisphere citrus export meeting of WCO’s Health & Nutrition focus
compared to the previous year. It is how- continues to grow in particular for lem- group will take place in the second semes-
ever worth noting that Brazil’s data pro- ons and easy peelers. The Southern Hemi- ter of 2021”, she added.


JUNE 2021

JUNE 2021

16 PRODUCTS











The damage from the frost on
the fruits is now visible
Also, some Juice Industries
have issued a statement
informing the Producers that
they do not accept oranges,
which have lost a significant

part of their juices




days of May, at 25 cents on tree.

The present
As we have said, the damage from the
ÒOranges frost on the fruits is now visible. Also,
some Juice Industries have issued a state-
ment informing the Producers that they do
not accept oranges, which have lost a sig-
AN INTERESTING SEASON nificant part of their juices.
All this is starting to create a «suffocat-
ing climate» in Skala, as the frost damage
does not concern a specific area, but there
The winter and summer varieties have completed their com- are scattered estates in many pockets.
mercial circle and now it’s times for Valencia variety in the area The only point he has clarified is that the
of Skala in Laconia. estates located at the edges of the plain,
ie in the area of Glykovrisi and Stefania,
have not been damaged by frost, with the
fruits currently having 100% of their juices.
We are going through week 20 of the commercial course in this product has en-
year and the commercial course in Nava- tered another trajectory. The next period
lina, Merlin, and Lane Late varieties has The more we get into the heart of sum-
been completed. The minimal quantities The situation so far mer and the higher the temperature, the
that are still unavailable from these variet- From the beginning of the Valencia trade bigger the problems on the ice-covered ar-
ies, cannot change the commercial scene, course, the demand for this variety devel- eas - and at the same time the rest will
in which the Valencia variety and the area oped at low levels, with Producer prices become sought after. The questions start,
of Skala begin to have a dominant position. reaching 18-20 cents per tree. Many fruits as the Producers - whose areas have not
However, things in Skala have not pro- were cut at this price, which had been hit been damaged, will not be easily persuad-
gressed well this year, as the frost has by the frost - and from these cuts it ap- ed to conclude trade agreements this year
caused significant damage to this product peared that the total volume of production and the only reason to do so is for prices to
as well. Of course, until the end of April the in the wider area of Skala, is significantly reach satisfactory levels.
fruits did not have serious losses in juices reduced this year. All this, ie the reduced volume of pro-
- and so the trade course of Valencia has However, the demand is starting to in- duction that must meet the needs of the
been ok so far. crease and the Producers, whose prop- domestic market by October - and not on-
With the arrival of May and the high tem- erties are not seriously damaged, are not ly, leads us to the conclusion that this year
peratures that took place in Greece, things willing to enter into agreements with the will have many of the characteristics of the
changed and the fruits in the ice-covered Traders, despite the fact that the Produc- 2020 season, which was a milestone for
estates «did not have any juices». Now, the er price has been formed in the second ten this variety, but also for the region.



JUNE 2021



18 INTERVIEW









“HELLENIC COMPANIES AND THEIR


PRODUCTS HAVE A VERY GOOD


REPUTATION IN THE NETHERLANDS”



Greek fruits and vegetables stand out among the preferences of
Dutch traders for their taste and quality, comments in Frouto-
nea Mr. Rene Bouman, co-owner of the family, Dutch, trading
company Fruit Market International BV, which also refers to
the requirements of the Dutch companies by their suppliers.

RENE BOUMAN

CO-OWNER OF FRUIT MARKET
INTERNATIONAL B.V.






Mr Bouman, this is the second year
that Europe and the world front the
coronavirus pandemic. Has the pan-
demic left its mark on the distribu-
tion of fresh fruits and vegetables?
I believe that most of the companies
did not face any particular issue with
the exception of those that relied main-
ly on the supply of the HORECA industry,
which suspended its operation. But any- the market. Quantities will simply be re-
way, the turnover lost from there was re- duced and producers will get more mon-
plenished by supermarkets and grocery The Dutch companies ey for their available fruit.
stores, which increased their orders. give great importance
As for the course of the fruit, it was Have shipments of products to the
very difficult to sell the various, exot- to the quality stability, UK been normalized or are there still
ic fruits, but the sales of oranges and, the taste, the good problems?
in general, the fruits that are known for Trade with the United Kingdom is now
their high content of vitamins, skyrock- packaging, the correct normalized and despite the individual is-
eted. shipment of products sues that may arise with some docu-
ments that accompany some exports,
The intense weather phenomena and, in general, to the there is no major problem. However, ev-
have caused a lot of damage to the perfect production image, erything could be done faster if all cus-
summer products as well as some toms formalities and related documents
winter ones. How is this situation based on the agreements, were processed digitally.
reflected in the market and how do certifications and regulations
you see the next market period? in force in the European Which characteristics are necessary
Despite the extensive losses, Europe in order the fruits and vegetables to
still has such a large production and I Union have a good place on the shelf of re-
believe that there will be no problem in tailers?


JUNE 2021

Quality and taste are above all. The
consumer will buy a fruit or vegetable
again and again only when he likes its
taste. Of course, branding a good prod-
uct makes the product sought after by
supermarkets and good grocery stores,
while an important way to convince con-
sumers to try a specific fruit or vegeta-
ble is advertising, mainly through social
media.

What are the requirements of a
Dutch trading company by its sup-
pliers?
The Dutch companies give great im-
portance to the quality stability, the
taste, the good packaging, the correct
shipment of products and, in general, to
the perfect production image, based on
the agreements, certifications and reg-
ulations in force in the European Union.

What is your company’s business to-
day with the Greek market and prod- vegetables, such as iceberg, broccoli and
ucts? cauliflower and from fruits, of course, av-
Fruit Market International B.V. ships to ocados.
Greece every week and throughout the
year limes, as well as mixed pallets with In closing, do you want to share with
a variety of products from strictly se- Fruit Market International our readers your company’s future
lected suppliers. Also, during the sum- B.V. ships to Greece every plans?
mer months, the company exports to the Our company aims at continuous de-
Greek market lemons from Argentina, week and throughout velopment, by anticipating the needs of
while at the same time manages Greek the year limes, as well our customers and offering them quality
products. products. Among the products we sup-
as mixed pallets with a ply to the European markets, under the
What is the opinion of Dutch traders variety of products from brands Royal Fresh, Toro Verde and Lime
about Greek products? King, stand out the lemons from Spain,
Greece has very good and tasty prod- strictly selected suppliers. as well as the imported fruits and vege-
ucts, with a very good name among Also, during the summer tables from Latin America.
Dutch traders and the same good repu- In fact, to increase the distribution sys-
tation accompanies Greek companies. months, the company tem of our products, we recently opened
Besides, Greek companies have made exports to Greece lemons new storage facilities in Alicante, Spain,
great steps in the quality and packaging as well as a new online wholesale shop.
of their products, while their presence from Argentina, while at
in the largest, international, trade fairs, the same time manages
has contributed to their expansion in the Greek products. Upgrading Contact
markets of Europe and the Middle East.
the distribution system of
However, in your opinion, which its products, it opened new Rene Bouman
products should Greek producers M: 0031 624 797 621
pay more attention to? storage facilities in Alicante, T: 0031 180 745 311
The products that are constantly in Spain, as well as a new online E-mail: [email protected]
great demand and could deserve more
attention from the Greek producers are wholesale shop



JUNE 2021