FROUTONEA_APRIL20_UK

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Athens - Greece
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www.froutonea.gr

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


ADVERTISED COMPANIES




COMPANY PAGE


SOULIS 1ST COVER
TEX 1
MDA 3
KIKU 5
DOLE 7
MSC 9
KARANTINOS 13 In this issue
MENELAOS FRUITS 17
HELLAGRO 21 Freskon Fair: We will all meet again
ACN NAOUSSA 23 on April 15-17 2021!
CHATZIDAKIS BACK COVER
Coronavirus: Looking at the next day!


Oranges: The demand is increasing due to coronavirus



4 REPORTAGE















CORONAVIRUS
LOOKING AT THE NEXT DAY!




The only sector that is working at the moment is the food industry, but the businesses are difficult -
and, as reliable analysts estimate, the closer we get to the heart of the crisis, the harder it will get.


Within a week, because of the corona- some food.
virus, our daily lives changed. The govern-
ment has taken drastic measures to re- The consequences
strict its spread, urging citizens to stay in This situation may not cause problems in
their homes and has imposed the closure of the normal supply in the next 2 to 3 weeks,
almost all businesses, where many people but after this point we will also have seri-
congregate. The only sector working at the ous deficiencies in our own Branch prod-
moment is the food industry, but the busi- ucts. The largest of these will be noted in
nesses are hard to come by - and as ana- all imports, while stocks in apples, pears
lysts estimate, as we get closer to the peak and lemons will be minimized, while for po-
of the crisis, the difficulties will intensify. tatoes and onions the proper supply will
depend on the products from Egypt. Enter-
The today’s picture ing May, everything will be normalized, as
We are on 12th week - that is, the week then will begin to reach the markets and
the controlled outflow of the world begins The Fresh Fruits the first summer fruits, as well as spring
in the grocery store, and demand for al- productions of potatoes and onions. So the
most all of our Branch products is unprece- and Vegetables Branch critical period is until the end of April, since
dented. Chains and grocery stores are mak- must stand up to the after that time the spread of the coronavi-
ing the most of this demand - followed by rus may have been restricted and normality
Open Air Markets. circumstances, with a high may be restored.
All products at this time are enough, with
prices rising. As for the transports, there sense of social responsibility The next day
are currently no problems in the Inter- In this situation, it is only reasonable to
nal Market, but on the contrary, things are note increases in product prices. But here
starting to get difficult for products shipped is the crucial point. It is another to have
to other countries. some reasonable increases in products and
another to have outbreaks. These must
Entering the crisis be dealt with immediately and the Ath-
Let’s look at the potential problems that ens and Thessaloniki Merchants’ Associa-
will arise in the next weeks. In the Produc- tions should consider scenarios from now
tion, for a long time there will be no prob- on to suppress them whenever and wher-
lem, because as a country we have an ever they occur. So let us all stand up to
abundance of many products in fresh fruits the circumstances - and let our Branch, in
and vegetables. On the contrary, there may problem with packaging materials as some this crisis, put Social Interest first and not
be a problem with a few products, such of them are imported. In the Wholesale the individual. If we all act with a sense of
as Strawberries are a product that can- Market, we do not see problems arising - Corporate Responsibility, when the crisis is
not be stored. In the packaging sector, we and the only problems we may have are in over, a world better than the present may
may face some problems, as it will not be the retail system. We might see people in have been created.
able to handle orders, and some staff may a few days long queues of people waiting
not be in the factories. Yet, there may be a for miles outside the supermarkets to buy Takis Orfanos



APRIL 2020



6 EXHIBITION












FRESKON FAIR

WE WILL ALL MEET AGAIN ON APRIL 15-17 2021!




The exhibitors and visitors’ health comes first and this is why Helexpo decided to cancel this year’s fair.
Nevertheless, we all keep up the good work and we are waiting for you to be there on April 15-17 2021,
at Helexpo Center, in Thessaloniki!



tors and visitors’ health as its priority, Hel-
expo the organizer of the event was led to
the decision above.

International Apple Congress
and Almond Forum
The two events which were going to
take place in the framework of Fresko, the
international apple congress and the Al-
mond forum are cancelled too and will fi-
nally take place on April 15 and 17 2021,
respectively. All speakers of the events
have already confirmed their presence
for next year. As far as we are concerned,
Froutonea team, we will take advantage
the period until next year to upgrade our
events. Our plans sometimes do not work
the way we want them to, but we will try
to recover and offer you more and better
information at our conferences next year.
Until then, take care of your selves, stay
Freskon Fair was scheduled to take virus, it got cancelled and its new date is healthy, stay at home and we will see you
place in April 2-4 2020, but due to corona April 15-17, 2021. Considering the exhibi- next year!



























APRIL 2020



8 INTERVIEW


“OUR PLAN FOR THIS YEAR IS TO FURTHER


EXPAND THE NUMBER OF PRODUCTS

WE CURRENTLY IMPORT FROM GREECE”



Some of the most important criteria when buying fresh fruits and
vegetables are food safety, quality, freshness, taste, origin, quality
to price ratio and practicality of fruits and vegetables packaging,
according to Mrs. Darija Rakic, Assistant of Sourcing Manager for
fruits and vegetables in Delhaize Serbia.

DARIJA RAKIC

ASSISTANT OF SOURCING
MANAGER FOR FRUITS AND
VEGETABLES (DELHAIZE SERBIA)




Mrs Racic, this year your company
would participate in Fresh Con Mar-
ket for the third time. What were your
expectations?
First of all, I would like to say how sor-
ry I am for Freskon Fair being cancelled, but
public health comes first for everybody so
we have to adjust to the current situation.
Based on experience on previous years, when buying fresh fruits and vegetables
where we successfully found new partners are food safety, quality, freshness, taste,
for fruits and vegetables, we were expect- origin, quality to price ratio and practicality
ing this year to be even better. Our main of fruits and vegetables packaging.
goal is to conclude new partnerships and
strengthen the cooperation we have with Categories of fruits which Does something worry you regarding
our current suppliers. It is very important for Delhaize Serbia is interested business with Greek traders?
Delhaize Serbia team to be part of this fair So far, we have good cooperation with
and keep up with latest trends from Greece. in importing from Greece Greek partners and we expect to maintain
it and find a way to increase the business
What do you think about Greek fresh are the following: citrus, even more.
fruit and vegetables?
Regarding the quality of fresh fruits and berries, stone fruit, What makes a business partnership
vegetables that we import from Greece, pomegranates, kiwis, figs, successful?
we can say that it is on high level, which Based on vast experience of our team,
is of upmost importance for our retail busi- chestnuts and watermelons some of the critical points that make a suc-
ness. Our customers recognize this, since cessful partnership are sharing the same
the imported volumes of Greek fruits and vegetables, we are importing the follow- ambition, vision and passion for work, mu-
vegetables increases every year. ing categories: peppers, cucumbers, to- tual respect within a partnership, constant
matoes, zucchini, eggplants, potatoes. Our communication and constructive problem
Which categories of fruit are you in- plan for this year is to further expand the solving.
terested in importing from Greece ? number of products we currently import.
Categories of fruits which Delhaize Ser- Closing the interview, would you like
bia is interested in importing from Greece Based on what criteria do consumers to add anything else?
are the following: citrus, berries, stone in your country buy fresh fruit and We are looking forward to be a part of
fruit, pomegranates, kiwis, figs, chestnuts vegetables ? Fresh Con Market this year and continue
and watermelons. And when it comes to Some of the most important criteria the good cooperation so far.



APRIL 2020



10 PRODUCTS







ÒOranges




THE DEMAND IS INCREASING DUE TO CORONAVIRUS



Demand for oranges is rising at a high level as consumers due to the coronavirus
have switched to boosting their immune systems and oranges are one of their first choices.












































We are in the 11th week of the year, and In terms of Producer prices for these lencia variety has begun since early March,
the oranges trade has now entered the era varieties, Lane Late is at 30-35 minutes with Producer prices being set at 20 min-
of the “coronavirus”, that is, the increased on tree, while for the Merlin variety they utes on tree.
demand and the major transport problems. vary depending on the quality of the fruit The pace is considered satisfactory for
But let’s take things from the beginning, to and the size, ranging from 20-30 minutes the time being and is expected to increase
see how things are now at the main Citrus on tree. But the quantities for both Lane as the days go by and winter and mid va-
Centers. Late and Merlin are expected to run out by rieties end.
First of all, what we have to say is that the end of March, and then the only active But the year does not seem to be with-
the trade in oranges is currently in a transi- player will be the Valencia variety, which out clouds for Valencia this year, as there
tional phase, as the winter and middle va- has begun to be harvested. are some quality problems on many prop-
rieties are coming to their end, but there erties. The biggest problem is a fungus
are still a few quantities moving through The Valencia variety that causes many skin problems and which
these varieties. In the Skala area, harvesting of the Va- has affected many estates located in the



APRIL 2020

Every day the dawn is

different from the previous
day - and no estimation or

prediction can be made as
to what oranges will be in

the near future. Everything
is open, from Producer

prices to unrealistic levels, the fruit, April will bring little trouble. Ending up
According to reportage data, we see
until all production leads to The current situation that oranges - and generally all citrus
As we said at the beginning of our text, fruits, are having a significant increase in
juicing. Hopefully the «good demand now seems to be on the rise - demand, at this time, which is increasing
and this is attributable to coronavirus dis- day by day. The Valencia variety is current-
scenario» will prevail ease. But what should be our concern at ly in the spotlight, but this is causing some
this time is not the evolution of demand, concern for the traders due to the low
but the fact that many markets in Europe, quality of many properties in the Skala ar-
plains of the area. These estates, which due to the Coronavirus, have gone “out of ea. Note, however, that Producers in Ska-
have been affected, will currently be ex- order”, with the transport system showing la are not currently willing to sell - and this
cluded from the “commercial game”. signs of derailment. may soon lead Producer prices to higher
But close to this disease, we have to We already see many truck drivers go to levels. But all these are not major prob-
add even the fact that the fruits have not, Europe via the road network - and not by lems, as what we all experience is that the
in the course of time, obtained the de- boat, as they have done so far. Indeed, if regularity of the markets has been lost.
sired size, and as a result the small sizes precautionary measures are even stepped We live in unprecedented situations. Every
are quite enough. This is one picture of the up in other European countries, with the day the dawn is different from the previous
Skala plain, which relates to one part of closure of catering and the food and bever- day - and no estimation or prediction can
the existing production. age outlets, as was the case in Italy, then be made as to what oranges will be in the
The other side of our coin, which covers the problem will be great, as many cars near future. Everything is open, from Pro-
most of the plain of the region, shows us will be trapped. This is already the case ducer prices to unrealistic levels, until all
that there are several estates without any with container shipments, as many con- production leads to juicing. Hopefully the
intrusions of diseases, and as to the size of tainers were trapped in China’s ports. “good scenario” will prevail.



























APRIL 2020

12 INTERVIEW

“THIS YEAR’S ARGENTINEAN LEMON


QUALITY IS BETTER THAN LAST YEAR”



Without problems is going on the cultiavation of the lemons in
the Argentinean orchards. Despite that, we will have to wait till we
can make secure statements, comments at Froutonea Mr. Fabricio
Trapani, fresh product Sales Director of FGF Trapani.






FABRICIO TRAPANI

FRESH PRODUCT SALES
DIRECTOR OF FGF TRAPANI



Mr. Trapani, for the beginning, could
you please make us a brief comment
on the previous lemon season of Ar-
gentina?
The season 2019 was difficult for the
Lemon from Argentina, because the Span-
ish production was present until Sep- in Spain, it is expected that at the end of
tember and left less room for the Lemon May or beginning of June the Verna Lemon
of the southern hemisphere, this over of- will be finished, so they are thinking that it
fer caused prices to be lower than previ- would be good to receive overseas Lem-
ous seasons. On the other hand, at the on in the first week of June. Anyway, we
start of the Argentine export we had a lot It seems that this year we have to check how the harvest progress of
of rainfall, which made the quality of the can have a better window the Spanish lemons will continue, to know
fruit in the field deteriorate and the utili- when is the right time to enter and not cre-
zation/ performance of the fruit in packag- for overseas Lemon due to ate an over offer, the volumes of Lemon are
ing decreased, making the process costs very sensitive in the price to be a product
increase. the missing from Spain and inelastic, that’s why we have to be cau-
Turkey. It is expected that at tious.
At which level is going the production
v urns to stand during this season in the end of May or beginning Give us a comment on the U.S. mar-
Argentina? ket. Also, what about the Chinese and
A normal harvest is expected this 2020 of June the Verna Lemon the Indian markets?
season, with volumes similar to last year The US market is important for us, but
and a better quality of the fruit is perceived will be finished, so they are we must work neatly and with established
in the field, anyway we have to wait to see thinking that it would be good programs, because the spot market loads
what happens with the rains of March, does not work, and it makes the market
April and May, since sometimes the excess to receive overseas Lemon in collapse when there is a messy offer, so we
of rains in those months, make the quality have to make a good analysis of what The
and exportable performance low. the first week of June market needs and project based on this.
With respect to China, this year will be
When will be loaded the first volumes our first export, we have high expectations,
for exports in Europe? Given the low- since it is a market with many habitants
er volume that it is predicted for the and great consumption. It will not be easy
Spanish verna, will there be an easier to send Argentine lemons to this country,
European market for the Argentinian better window for overseas Lemon due because it needs cold treatment and also
lemons? to the missing from Spain and Turkey. Ac- the quality to be sent has to be only pre-
It seems that this year we can have a cording to comments from some clients mium.


APRIL 2020



14 INTERVIEW






























DAVE COURTNEY

CHIEF GROWER AND
ALLIANCES OFFICER OF ZESPRI



Let’s begin our interview describ-
ing to our readers the reasons why
you decided to rebrand Zespri’s logo.
What does this change represent?
Our new brand marks the first time we
have refreshed Zespri’s identity in our
22-year history and is designed to take us
into our next phase of growth. It includes
a new brand vision, a new brand tagline
and a new visual identity which captures
the burst of flavour consumers get when
they bite into a Zespri Kiwifruit. The new
Zespri brand better reflects the Zespri of “NEW SEASON FOR NEW ZEALAND
today and brings to life our purpose which
is to help people, communities and the en-
vironment thrive through the goodness of KIWIS WITH INCREASED PRODUCE”
kiwifruit. We’ve tested it extensively and
we know that it will appeal not only to our The circumstances of the new kiwi season of New Zealand and the
existing customers but pique the interest
of new ones, allowing us to grow demand conditions under which Zespri enters the new campaign, analyses
for our premium quality kiwifruit across the in Froutonea Mr. Dave Courtney, chief Grower and Alliances Of-
world. ficer of Zespri. Among others, it is of exquisite interest the Zespri’s

Zespri recently launched its new plans for the red kiwi, the eco packaging and for the new planta-
red kiwi, the Zespri Red, to select- tions of yellow kiwis.
ed stores only in the Asian markets.
Could you please tell us at which
countries and at what type of stores a red kiwifruit which we announced in De- and the fruit’s vibrant red flesh. We know
can the new red kiwi be founded and cember 2019. We had a limited release of that customers are showing significant in-
what’s the reaction of the markets? Zespri Red last year in New Zealand and terest in new varieties of kiwifruit that are
There’s certainly been a lot of excite- Singapore, and consumers were really ex- different and offer different eating experi-
ment about the decision to commercialise cited about the sweet berry-tinged flavour, ences. We’ll be moving towards gener-



APRIL 2020

land harvest. Pollination has been great for
Zespri SunGold this year, and better than
the year before for Green which is positive.
The weather conditions have been hot and
dry which may have some impact on siz-
We had a limited release ing, particularly for Green, but consumers
should expect another delicious crop.
of Zespri Red last year
How coronavirus outbreak has affect-
in New Zealand and ed your export plans? Do you have any

Singapore, and consumers alternative solutions if the situation in
Chinese market is not get improved?
were really excited about Zespri is continuing to closely moni-
tor the spread of coronavirus and its out-
the sweet berry-tinged break in countries beyond China, including
in some of our markets such as Italy, Ko-
flavour, and the fruit’s rea and Japan. Overall, we’re still seeing

vibrant red flesh. We’ll be strong demand for fresh fruit, and we in-
tend to start the 2020 New Zealand sea-
moving towards generating son as planned in terms of shipping. We’re
also speaking regularly with our key mar-
commercial volumes kets and if we see demand drop or signif-
icant disruption, we’ll make adjustments
in the years to come to fruit allocations accordingly. Our contin-
gency planning for the season ahead takes
into account this rapidly-changing situ-
ation and we are continuing to plan for a
range of scenarios, with those plans be-
ing enacted depending on the situation
throughout the season.

What should we expect about the
We’re proud of the sustainability com- Zespri plantations during the next
ating commercial volumes in the years to mitments we’ve announced, including years both in New Zealand and in Eu-
come. making sure all our Zespri packaging is rope?
100 percent reusable, recyclable or com- Zespri’s mission remains to create sus-
Which are the plans about the red postable by 2025. Any plastic packaging tainable long-term value for kiwifruit
kiwi cultivation? When will Zespri we use will be made from at least 30 per- growers in New Zealand and our North-
Red come to the European orchards cent recycled plastic by 2025, and we’ve ern Hemisphere locations by offering con-
or at least to the European consumer committed to reducing our packaging foot- sumers the world’s leading portfolio of
markets? print by 25 percent per kg of fruit we pro- branded kiwifruit 12 months of the year.
We’re still a few years away from reaching duce, by 2030. This will be achieved by Our release of additional SunGold licence
commercial volumes here in New Zealand. continued innovation such as more effi- is continuing as planned in New Zealand,
We’re also exploring trials of red kiwifruit cient shipping, better cool store technolo- and we also have around 3,340 hectares
cultivars in other Zespri production regions gy and more efficient growing practices on in the ground in the Northern Hemisphere
in the Northern Hemisphere to determine the orchard. with approval to grow this to around 5,000
commercial potential of the cultivar in differ- hectares over the next five years. Looking
ent environments. It will be several years be- Let’s talk about the new NZ kiwi sea- ahead, we’ll be continuing to work hard to
fore these trials are complete. son? Are there any forecasts about get closer to our consumers so that we’re
the green and the yellow kiwis? When meeting their needs, and providing premi-
Zespri announced, as well, its pur- will the first volumes reach Europe? um quality Zespri Kiwifruit to even more
pose to move towards 100% eco We’re looking forward to another great consumers from both our New Zealand
packaging by 2025. How will the new tasting crop this season, and expecting growers and our global supply network in
Zespri’s packages be constructed? around 155 million trays from our New Zea- the Northern Hemisphere.



APRIL 2020

16 INTERVIEW








“STOCKS OF ITALIAN KIWI


ARE 34% LOWER THAN LAST YEAR”



Mr. Mirco Zanelli exposes at Froutonea the flow of the Italian kiwi
commerce, mentioning the high prices and the good demand of
the markets.







MIRCO ZANELLI

SALES DIRECTOR OF APOFRUIT





When do you estimate that the com-
mercial season of Italian kiwis will be
over this year and what are the stocks
of kiwis the current period(in tons)?
Are they higher or lower in compar-
ison with the same period last year?
On the international market the com- Which countries have absorbed the
mercial season will end in the first weeks biggest quantities from Italy so far?
of May, on the Italian market it will be ex- Any new destinations?
tended until the end of May. Stocks are The response has been regular in Eu-
34% lower than last year. At 29 February rope (England, Holland, Italy and Northern
the tons amounted to 105,902. The price is 20-30% higher countries), overseas sales towards China
according to the different have slowed down a little, whereas they
Are you satisfied by the demand and are regular in the Arabian and South-East
sales of kiwis so far? calibres, higher on small Asian countries. At the end of the year, It-
Sales were good in the first part of the aly was authorized to export kiwis to Mex-
season until the end of the year, in line to medium calibres, whose ico, so we sent the first cargoes with good
with last season. In the first months of the quantities since January to this new des-
year the demand has slowed down a bit, availability is lower. On large tination.
but this is due to the reduced availabili- calibers the availability is
ty of product. We are still in line with the What is the impact of Corona virus in
sales goals more widely available, so the Italian stocks of kiwis? Has Corona
Virus affected any other categories of
Regarding prices, what levels do they increment in price is lower fruits and vegetables?
reach this season in comparison with Fruit and vegetables, fields and harvest-
last year? ing plants are not at risk. In the weeks in
The price is 20-30% higher according to which the points of sale were more crowd-
the different calibres, higher on small to ed, there were registered increases in
medium calibres, whose availability is low- sales on the less perishable products,
er. On large calibers the availability is more which have a higher shelf life, i. e. kiwi-
widely available, so the increment in price fruits, pears, onions and potatoes.
is lower.



APRIL 2020



18 INTERVIEW





































CHRISTIAN POHL

SALES DIRECTOR “OUR STOCKS WILL BE AVAILABLE
OF VIP ASSOCIATION
TILL THE START OF THE NEW SEASON”


The transition to the new apple season of the italian apples
will be smooth, as the italian stocks will be finished in September,
To begin with, I would like you to says to Froutonea Mr. Christian Pohl, Sales Director of the
briefly introduce the VIP association VIP Association from Val Venosta, while he unveils some
to our readers.
VIP is the association of fruit and veg- of the VIP´s plan for the near future.
etable producers from Val Venosta. Our
roots as a producer organization date back quality. Today, Val Venosta is considered to
to 1990. Since then we have been success- be one of the best suppliers of quality fruit
fully working together as an agricultural with its main product being apples.
cooperative and a non-profit organization. In Val Venosta, quality apples grow in
Our motto is “Cooperative before profit”. The share of new varieties the sunlight at altitudes between 500
We attach great importance to first-class and 1,000 meters in western South Ty-
service, quality and sustainability. (so-called “managed” rol. Thanks to the special microclimate
Our network is solid when it holds to- you can recognize mountain apples at first
gether, which is definitely true for our 1,700 or “club” varieties) sight and bite. More than 300 days of sun a
members. The farmers of our seven coop- year, less than 500 mm of precipitation per
eratives form a strong union. VIP provides will increase and we will soon year and a great range of temperature be-
comprehensive support in the areas of bring new products on the tween day and night are the 100% natu-
sales, administration, marketing, quality, ral ingredients that allow our products to
controlling and IT. After all, every network market, as we already slowly develop their extraordinary and dis-
needs a “central office” in order to function tinctive taste.
efficiently and smoothly. did during the last seasons
This association is made up of many VIP is known for cultivating and sell-
small agricultural family businesses that ing fresh apples. Are there any other
are able to offer products of excellent



APRIL 2020

important activities? the new season as usual).
VIP’s main activity is the commercializa-
tion of about 320,000 tons of apples a year How would you assess the prices on
that are all produced by its members. 90% the European market? Have you been
of our products are produced according to satisfied so far?
the guidelines of integrated production, Prices are recovering compared to the
whereas the remaining 10% come from or- very negative 2018-19 season, even if the
ganic farming. quotations are not fully satisfactory con-
sidering the low stocks as stated before.
Which are VIP’s main traditional vari- Unfortunately, the higher percentage of
eties and club varieties? Which is the small-sized fruits on the European mar-
volume of organic production? ket has put the average price levels under
Our main traditional varieties are Gold- pressure for some varieties, even if this is
en Delicious, Red Delicious, Pinova and Ga- luckily only true to a limited extent for VIP.
la, whereas Kanzi, Ambrosia, Envy and Yel- We will therefore have a reasonable result
lo are our main club varieties. Val Venosta for our growers.
VIP’s main activity is the is Europe’s main producer of organic apples
with an organic production that equalled Do you have any plans for new plan-
commercialization of about 33,828 tons in 2019. tations over the next years? Do you
target any new markets for your ex-
320,000 tons of apples a How long will Italian apples be avail- ports?
year that are all produced able this year? We have several interesting plans and
At the moment, the commercial season we are taking part into new national and in-
by its members. 90% of for Italian apples is progressing well, at ternational projects. The share of new va-
least in terms of volumes for the main va- rieties (so-called “managed” or “club” vari-
our products are produced rieties. The stock levels at the beginning of eties) will increase and we will soon bring

according to the guidelines March 2020 are fully under control, as the new products on the market, as we already
did during the last seasons. Most of these
figures are at a minimum compared to pre-
of integrated production, vious years with normal crops. Red and bic- varieties will focus on the Italian and Euro-
oloured varieties will be available until the pean retail channels, even if we also have
whereas the remaining 10% beginning of summer and Golden Delicious some plans for new markets in Asia and
until September (for a fluent transition to the Middle East.
come from organic farming



















APRIL 2020

20 INTERVIEW








“THIS YEAR’S POLISH APPLES ARE


NOT SUITABLE FOR LONG DISTANCE EXPORTS”



The peculiar conditions under which the polish apple trade is going
on and the moves that the polish companies are doing in order
to manage the low volume and the not satisfying quality of their
production describes at Froutonea, Mr. Jan Nowakowski, Export
Director of Genesis Fresh.



JAN NOWAKOWSKI

EXPORT DIRECTOR
OF GENESIS FRESH



Mr. Nowakowski, due to the great
losses of the polish apple production,
some Polish merchants say that there
will be no polish apple after the April.
Do you share this estimation?
It is true that Poland has less apples this
season due to spring frost in May 2019. For
the other hand, I am not so sure if we will
not have apples after the April. We have
our existing clients which we will supply ing only the best quality for our clients. weather condition. Each year is different in
till new crop season. Our production poli- Rest of the apples are distributed to pro- terms of temperatures and climate condi-
cy is to keep enough stock to fulfill the de- cessing industry. tion. We see the weather is changing with
mand. Moreover, we are not offering apples more dry and hot summers and lesser wa-
to new markets that’s for sure. This needs What do the Polish merchants try to ter supply each year. This will be challeng-
to wait till we will have new crop ready in do in order to offset the disadvantag- ing for the whole industry.
hand. es of this year’s crop?
As for this season, Genesis Fresh focus Which are the main changes that are
Apart from the low volume, we hear on European markets distribution with low observed in the polish apple sector?
that the polish apples this year are transit time shipments. For our knowledge Do any new plantations take place?
also characterized by low quality. For and experience, apples this season are not What’s the position of the new or the
example we read that in many cool fully suitable for markets like India, Viet- brand varieties in the polish apple or-
warehouses, black spots have been nam or Middle East countries. We are look- chards?
shaped in the peel of the apples. Is ing for new season already and hoping for More and more orchards are being re-
that true and how affects the polish good weather and volume of apples for placed for varieties like Gala and Golden,
apple business? 2020/2021. which are Top 5 most popular varieties in
The frost has an impact on apples wher- demand. Our old orchards with varieties
ever it is Poland or other European coun- What are the conclusions that the Pol- like Idared, Ligol or Gloster are replaced
tries. We have bigger percentage of lower ish merchants must keep after such a for ‘modern’, sweet apples. Very few or-
quality apples compared to previous year, difficult season and how do they get chards are changed for club varieties which
but that’s also in other European coun- prepared for the next season? is in my opinion the future of the market.
tries like Italy, France or the Netherlands. Apples orchards and our apples quali- Lets wait and see how it develops in com-
During sorting and packing, we are select- ty depends on our mother nature and good ing years.



APRIL 2020



22 PRODUCTS









ÒStone fruit




EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT AN EARLY SEASON!



Blossoming of stone fruit trees has already begun and as producer inform us the new season will be
early! Of course, this is their first impression and everybody says that the following weeks will be cru-
cial. Only after mid-April we will be able to make safer predictions about how the season goes.









































We are going through the third week of Peaches and nectarines
March and blossoming of stone fruit has Beginning with peaches and nectarines,
begun. Nevertheless, most producers are it must be noted that the majority of grow-
not satisfied at this point of year as the ers in the area of Imathia abandoned their
weather was not cold enough during the cultivations and those who didn’t, did not
winter and this is something that might af- Except for the lack of low have enough money to buy the fertiliz-
fect the total production volume in a neg- temperatures, the insufficient ers that were necessary for the cultivated
ative way. Except for the lack of low tem- trees. Of course, there are still those pro-
peratures, the insufficient rainfalls worry rainfalls worry the producers ducers who cultivate continue to cultivate
the producers too. At this point let’s see their trees the right way. So, the situation
what the situation is at the most important too in Central Macedonia is not quite good and
production areas of the country, per cate- the majority of producers claim that the
gory of stone fruit. quantities of peaches will not be many this



APRIL 2020

year. The areas that make the difference is Velventos in Koza-
ni and other areas of Macedonia, where the weather was more
favorable for the trees. Now, as far as Southern Greece is con-
cerned, the blossoming of trees is fulfilled and the only prob-
lem at this area is the lack of rainfalls since the beginning of
the New Year.
In conclusion, the season of peaches and nectarines will be
early in Northern and Southern Greece and we will be able to
give you more news at our next issue.

Cherries
In contrast with the situation in peach cultivation, things
at cherries are different and what the producers in Northern
Greece are waiting for is the rainfalls to take place in March
and April. Let’s note down at this point that there have been
new plantings of cherry trees, something that proves that
cherries continue to be a good income for most producers. So,
let’s hope that the new season will be good for cherry pro-
ducers!
Apricots
Blossoming has been good for apricot trees in most produc-
tion areas of the country. The only problem that growers have
is the lack of rainfalls, which if they do not come until the end
of April, then the cultivation will be affected.

[email protected]



In conclusion
It is too early to talk about the new season of
stonefruit as the weather can change all the
estimations made above. Based on what what we
have so far, the season is claimed to be difficult
for peaches, as the biggest volume will have low
quality.
What will the market’s reaction be to that?This is
something that we will answer at our next issue.
In nectarines, things are better, as the income
was good last year for producers. In cherries, the
production will be higher in comparison with last
year, due to bigger plantings.
Last but not least, in apricots, we expect that new
red varieties will have a good commercial season
again this year, in contrast with Bebekou variety.






















APRIL 2020

Chatzidakis S.A.






COOLING FACILITIES | PACKING HOUSE


IMPORTS - EXPORTS























Feel the taste!














































15th km. Larisa - Tirnavos,
401 00 Larisa Greece
Τel.: 2490 25301-2 | Fax: 24920 25303
Central Fruit & Vegetable Market of Athens Κ 28, 30
182 33 Ag. Ioannis Rentis, Attiki Greece
Τel.: 210 4838195 | Fax: 210 4838196
E-mail: [email protected]