The year 2024 left an indelible mark on Greek fruit exports, reaching the unprecedented total value of €1.35 billion. This impressive trajectory is being carried on, with exports for the first five months already hitting the outstanding amount of €712 million.
Article: Kyriaki Moustakidou
In 2024, Greek fruit exports were led by kiwis (€308 million), oranges (€206 million), strawberries (€172 million), peaches & nectarines (€117 million), and mandarins (€104 million). Strong performances were also recorded for cherries & sour cherries, watermelons, and bananas. The final top 10, in terms of value, was filled in by grapes and apples, while apricots, figs, and pears, showed quite promising growth.
When it comes to markets, Romania and Germany emerged as star players, together accounting for 26.6% of Greece’s total fruit exports. Poland, Italy, and Bulgaria completed the top 5, followed by Spain, the UK, Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Cyprus. USA and Serbia, even though they missed the top 10 seats, are filled with health-conscious consumers who have an undeniable appetite for Greece’s delicious fruit.
A promising outlook for 2025
During the first five months of the current year, exports have reached an impressive €712 million. Among the top-performing products, one can find strawberries, kiwis, and oranges leading the way, maintaining their prestigious position in global markets. They are closely followed by other distinctive seasonal exports such as bananas, watermelons, and mandarins, which also show steady demand. Germany, Romania, and Poland have been the main importers of Greek fruit so far this year, reflecting an upward trend in Central and Eastern Europe. These countries remain reliable trade partners, asserting once again their strong interest in high-quality Greek agricultural products.
According to the President of SEVE – the Greek Exporters Association, Symeon Diamantidis, ”this success is largely attributed to the unquestionable quality of Greek fruit, along with the flexibility and adaptability of exporters who respond not only to market needs, but also to the strategic diversification of export destinations”.
He also added that ”in order to further enhance the extroversion of the agricultural sector, additional support is needed in crucial areas. These include improvements to transport and storage infrastructure, targeted incentives, and easier access to new financing tools, especially for small and medium-sized exporters”.
On top of that, he highlighted the importance of penetrating into new, non-EU markets, with particular focus on the Middle East and Asia.
WHAT ABOUT 2025? NEW RECORD LEVELS ARE PROJECTED
As 2025 has already shown great potential for further growth, the data so far seem to validate the projections. According to George Polychronakis, Advisor – Representative of Incofruit Hellas, export volumes are expected to be slightly positive and, more significantly, export values are projected to show an upward trend, possibly setting another record.
”To maintain the strong reputation of Greek products in international markets, we should put emphasis on origin and traceability as they are increasingly influencing global demand. While the importance of a healthy diet remains a deciding factor in consumers’ minds, there is also a need for hygienically packaged options – Greek fruits are adequately positioned to meet these consumer expectations. To sum up, safeguarding Greek fruits’ reputation is vital to developing existing markets and entering new ones”, he stated, talking to Ambrosia Magazine.
