Large quantities of oranges and tangerines are at risk of being left unclaimed, with demand for Clementine and Navalina almost nil and exporters sounding the alarm.
The start of this year’s season for oranges and tangerines did not start well, as it was characterized by low export demand and sales difficulties, despite the fact that the expected improved holiday demand continued in the last week.
Thus, according to exporters, large quantities of oranges and tangerines will remain unavailable, due to the zero demand for Clementine (due to their non-post-harvest resistance) and Navelina, large quantities of which remain unharvested.
“In the consumer markets until today, supply and demand were not balanced. There was an oversupply compared to a demand of half. Wholesale purchases were sluggish, and consumption is low across the fruit and vegetable sector. This drop in consumption can be justified with the season but also with inflation and the general economic atmosphere that does not favor it. Thus, this imbalance causes a drop in prices”, comments the special advisor of the Incofruit Hellas Association, Mr. Giorgos Polychronakis.
Exports to Germany
According to a report by the German statistical service SBA (Statistisches Bundesambt), the imports of fruit and vegetables in Germany decreased in quantities in the ten months of 2022 by a total of 10%, with the decrease in Greece amounting to 15% compared to the corresponding period of 2021 Accordingly, the quantities from Spain decreased by 11% and from Italy by 8%, while they increased from Morocco by 15% and from South Africa by 7%.
It is also indicative that the imports of oranges in Germany decreased by a total of 10%. In particular, while the import of Spanish oranges to Germany decreased by 5%, the decrease from Greece reached 50%.
Deficit balance in 10 months
“It is known that in 2020 the surplus of the balance of agricultural products was formed at 510.953 million euros with the predominant participation of our sector (fruits, vegetables and their preparations) in its formation of 1.608 billion euros, which continued in 2021 at 459.332 million . euros with the participation of the sector at 1.615 billion euros”, points out Mr. Polychronakis, noting that these characteristics were unfortunately reversed this year and in 2022 the surplus turned into a deficit. “Month by month and after the first five months the deficit increased, as a result of which the ten months sank to -600.95 million euros compared to a surplus of 310.62 million euros in the corresponding ten months of 2021, with prospects for further deterioration during two remaining months of this year.”
Kiwi exports to China as well
The way for kiwifruit exports to China opens after the posting in the Register of approved Greek exporters of kiwifruit to the People’s Republic of China for the 2022/2023 export season.
This development came after the tele-inspection of kiwifruit crops and standardization units, which was carried out on 18.11.2022, by the competent agencies of China in cooperation with the competent agencies of the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food (MFAAT).
Exporters welcome this development, stressing that it restores normalcy to the disrupted export of kiwifruit to China.
At the same time, as Incofruit Hellas points out, there is an opportunity to export to India due to the import ban from Iran. “India is a market whose kiwifruit imports amount to 68-70 thousand tons per year. We believe that after Indian consumers become familiar with Greek products, our presence will be maintained and expanded,” he notes.
Latest News
Greek Sunlight CEO Joins Industry Titans at Choose France Summit
At the heart of the "Choose France Summit" was the discussion surrounding the production of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, crucial for the green transition and storage of renewable energy.
Insights into Greece’s Real Estate Landscape; Consumer Expectations and Challenges
The study indicates that while 66% of Greeks find recent real estate price hikes concerning and liken them to a "bubble," over half (56%) still anticipate further increases.
Athens in Top 10 Best Value City Breaks
Every year, Post Office Travel Money compares the costs of short breaks in cities across Europe for UK holidaymakers
Athens Int’l Airport: Americans Lead Total Passenger Traffic in Q1
According to the data processed by AIA, the top 10 in foreign arrivals are dominated by Americans, followed by the British and Germans. Other top nationalities include Cypriots, Italians, French, Dutch, Israelis, Poles, and Turks.
Greek PM Mitsotakis and Turkish President Erdogan Meet in Ankara Today
No major developments are expected, as the key aim of the meetings between the two leaders is to maintain positive diplomatic relations, but Greece is always vigilant for any surprises from the Turkish leader.
New Athens Metro Line Hopes to Alleviate Heavy City Traffic
The massive project is expected to be completed in 2029
National Intelligence Agency DG to Accompany Greek PM to Ankara
Prime Minister Mitsotakis also gave an interview to Turkish newspaper Milliyet regarding his upcoming visit
Draft Bill Eyes Detection of Uninsured, Poorly-Maintained Vehicles in Greece
According to reports, at least half a million vehicles in Greece are uninsured, while the number of those without inspections is unknown
AIA: Passenger Traffic Up by 16.3% in April
Passenger traffic at the Athens International Airport (AIA) amounted to 2.49 million during April 2024
Fitch Solutions: Greece Set to Welcome 40 Million Tourists Annually by 2028
However, Fitch Solutions highlights concerns about overtourism, cautioning that it could strain Greece's capacity to deliver quality services, potentially leading to neglect of popular destinations