Greek Exports: Zero demand for Clementine and Navalina citrus

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.