Tangerines: EU production reduced by 14% – Greece in good shape

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Greek tangerines

The European Union has recorded a 14% drop in tangerine production this year, estimated at 2.76 million tons, but up 4.4% from a previous estimate.
Spain is the largest producer of tangerines in the EU –even in 2020, which has recorded a decrease of 23.9%, while production is estimated to drop to 1.8 million tons– and as a result has an important role in shaping the above percentage. In Italy, on the other hand, production is estimated to be up 20.4% but it amounts, however, to less than half of the Spanish production and is not enough to change the negative sign of the total European production.

Increased production in Arta, Greece

Greek production is estimated at 175,000 tons, with the Clementine variety dominating cultivation and new Nova and Ortanique plantings.
“Production of tangerines in Arta has increased, especially when it comes to Clementines”, says Mr Nikos Gizas, President of the Arta-Filippiada Cooperative, emphasizing that although there are problems at the fruiting stage, crops are growing.
“The 2019 production went well, it was approximately 15,000-20,000 tons and it was completely absorbed, while, if everything goes well with the weather conditions, this year production will be able to reach 25,000 tons,” he added.

Record exports for 2020

Mr Giorgos Polychronakis, Special Adviser to the Greek Association of Export and Distribution of Fruits, Vegetables and Juices, Incofruit Hellas, estimates that the production of tangerines in Greece will be increased. “The production of tangerines is good and will be up compared to last year, when exports were at a record high, both in quantity and in value. We estimate that partly due to COVID-19, when consumers have increased the consumption of citrus fruits, we will experience a new record period for exports”.

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