Α series of emblematic products, both fresh and processed, of the Greek land will be placed in a single commercial “basket”, aiming to “unlock” demanding markets with a high standard of living, in which they currently have an anemic presence, or no presence at all.
The newly established Cooperative Export Company “COGREXPO SA”, whose official start of operation was announced on Friday, September 13, at a special event of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, in the context of the 88th TIF, will play a “vehicle” for the achievement of the ambitious goal.
Τhrough the common product “basket”, the plan is to use 53 products that have great international career prospect. During phase one, as revealed by the president of the company, Christos Giannakakis, priority was given in 13 products, including kiwis, dairy products, citrus fruits, apples, pears, olives and oil. Accordingly, Central and Western Europe, the USA and Southeast Asia, markets looking for quality products and are able to pay more for them, were identified as target markets.The executives with whom the 33 cooperatives – founding members participate in the scheme will be market managers with great experience in international markets, evaluated by specialized human resources companies.
Asked about the reasons that led ETHEAS (National Association of Agricultural Cooperatives) to take all necessary actions to set up the company, Mr. Giannakakis pointed out that they are all about the necessity to address a series of weaknesses that we faced as a country, such as the absence of a critical mass that would allow Greek products enter large foreign retail chains, the lack of organized commercial departments, poor packaging, opportunistic presence in some markets and the low added value of our products.
As Mr. Giannakakis said, they decided to imitate Spanish and Italian competitors, in order to maximize the profitability of the products produced, in favor of Greek farmers. A dedicated study indicated the products that have prospects and critical mass, but also the target markets. It is important to point out that today Greece sells mainly to Bulgaria, Romania, Skopje, Albania and other low income markets, with a 55% of Greek fruit and vegetable exports heading there. Also, the average Greek price for products such as kiwifruit, apples and citrus fruits, is far below the average international price, indicating room for growth. Through strong contracts, the new company will be in a position to make partnerships, absorb the products of small cooperatives that follow specified commercial rules and help them enjoy the income they deserve.
Many Εxpected Benefits
On behalf of Piraeus Bank, which stood by ETHEAS (National Association of Agricultural Cooperatives) from the “inception” of the whole project, Alkis Alexandrou, general manager of rural banking, noted that the expected benefits from the operation of COGREXPO SA are multiple, starting with the greater bargaining power for access to markets with better prices, to the reduction of transit costs and more.
He did not fail, however, to underline that such an undertaking requires the utmost seriousness, a very good budget, competent management staff, constant adaptation to changing economic and geopolitical conditions, firm behavior and cooperation between the company’s founders and subsequent shareholders, but also a lot of patience and persistence.
“Umbrella” for the export of agricultural products
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Giorgos Stratakos, characterized the project of the export cooperative company as “bold” and “difficult”, assuring that the entire political leadership of the ministry will support its initiatives and actions.
Accordingly, the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras, described COGREXPO SA as an absolutely necessary initiative of extroversion for domestic agricultural products, so that they acquire added value and have this value transformed into a real result for the national economy and the income of producers.
