Last week, the export/distribution of Greek citrus and kiwi fruit continued at an increased pace due to the Catholic Easter, with supply currently meeting demand.
At the same time, strawberry exports continue to grow. In fact, and during the period from 01/01 to 01/04/2021, exported strawberries amounted to 24,400 tons compared to the 18,334 tons exported last year during the same period. According to data collected by the Greek Association of Export and Distribution of Fruits, Vegetables and Juices, Incofruit Hellas regarding the course of exports for the previous week, apples still show an upward trend with an estimated +5.6% (65,679 tons against 62,209 tons in 2020) rise. Tomatoes were also up with exports amounting to 2,475 tons compared to 9,425 tons for the same period in the previous year.
As for kiwi fruit, exports were slightly down at 155,640 tons compared to 157,925 tons last year, while trade to third, non-EU-27 countries represented 27.5% with 42,782 tons compared to 30.4% during the corresponding period in 2019/20 with 47,956 tons. It is worth noting that 2020 has been a phenomenal year for Greek fruit and vegetable exports, with Mr George Polychronakis, Special Adviser to Incofruit Hellas expressing the opinion that, although the final numbers have not been officially processed yet, there was expected an increase of approximately 50-60%.