Exports: Upward trend for fruits and vegetables

Exports of Greek fresh fruits and vegetables in the first quarter of 2021, totaling 464,622 thousand tons and 370.02 million euros, increased by 12.2% in value and by 4.6% in volume, year on year, according to the data from the latest update of Hellenic Statistical Authority ELSTAT, which were processed by the Incofruit-Hellas Association.

“Shipments-exports of vegetables in the quarter decreased by -3.1% compared to the same period in 2020, amounting to 70,053 tons and an increase of 9.6% in value, to 64.181 million euros. Respectively, the export of fruits marked an increase in volume compared to the same period of 2021 (+ 6.0%), amounting to 394,569 tons, while the value increased by 12.8% and amounted to 305.84 million euros “, a statement by Mr. G. Polychronakis, Special Advisor of the Association of Greek Export and Fruit and Juice Companies INCOFRUIT – HELLAS, noted.

The volume of vegetables from exports decreased by -3.1% and amounted to 70.05 thousand tons, with an increase in tomatoes (+ 13.6%) to 13,718 tons, peppers (+ 2.3%) with 5,697 tons, cucumbers (+ 46.7%) and a decrease in potatoes (-72.4%)

Fruit exports in the first quarter of the year amounted to 394.57 thousand tons, a 6% increase from the corresponding period of 2020, with increases in apples (23.8%), tangerines (65.9%), lemons and strawberries by 2.7% and 29.4% respectively and a decrease in oranges (-2%) and kiwis (-5.0%). The value of all fruits increased by 12.8%, amounting to 305.839 million euros, according to ELSTAT data, compiled by Incofruit-Hellas.

The increase in the value of exported fruits by 12.8% is impressive as it follows a huge increase of 31.3% in the corresponding quarter of 2020 in one year, with a record export for Greek fruits and vegetables and shows the increased average unit price of Greek products, mainly due to kiwis and strawberries that set an export record.

The indications from exports until 11/5/2021 based on temporary data of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure show that their growth rates are maintained at the level of 7.8% with estimated increases of more than 13%.

At the same time, there was a decrease in imports in the corresponding quarter in our country, by -8.2% in volume and by -21.2% in value.

At the same time, G. Polychronakis noted that unpackaged fruits and vegetables (directly from the field) continue to be traded by Greek and Balkan merchants, mainly to the neighboring markets and for some products in large percentages that are not recorded in the provisional data, while there are cases of defamation of Greek fruits and vegetables.

“The importance of maintaining a healthy diet has been reinforced by this crisis and with it the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Due to the epidemic, the most appropriate hygienic packaging is becoming more and more important as the demand for non-standard and unpackaged fruits and vegetables decreases. A necessary condition for maintaining the reputation of our products in the consumer markets is the strict application of national and EU trade rules. Quality with full traceability that provides safety to the consumer of their quality and compliance with hygiene rules throughout the supply chain of our products “, notes the special consultant of Incofruit-Hellas.