ampaigns of many Greek summer fruits are already underway. Cherries have seen a reduced production this year and this resulted in lower export volumes. The apricots exported are mostly of the Bebek variety, lower in price than the Tiryns. After a good start, watermelon exports have been hampered by very low prices; a problem also affecting the shipments of early peach and nectarine varieties. In general there is a decrease in the consumption of summer fruits in central and western Europe, and Spain and Italy, Greece's main competitors, had a higher production compared to last year and are trying to gain ground by lowering prices in the Russian market.This year's cherry production volumes dropped due to adverse weather conditions and especially rainfall, which affected areas of Pella and Imathia, where most of the country's plantations are located. Export volumes fell, while producer prices were at higher levels than last year.
Apricots of the Bebek and Tirynthos varieties are being exported in sufficient quantities and for acceptable prices, although the effects of hailstorms in the Peloponnese had a negative impact on the prices and volumes of the Bebek variety.
Watermelons are mostly shipped from the regions of Ilia and Achaia, where prices at origin have "plunged" to 7-12 cents. In contrast, exports of open field watermelons grown in Trifylia reached satisfactory prices for producers, averaging 30 cents per kilo.
Meanwhile, exports of early varieties of peaches and nectarines have also started. Prices are low, mainly because of economic issues in the Russian market and the low levels of consumption in Western Europe.
Regarding the export of apricots, Mr Diamantis Milina, manager of Sunfruit in Halkidiki, explained that "exports of the Tirynthos variety developed very smoothly this year, with good prices at origin. In our area, the variety had a good quality and there were larger production volumes. There were some problems with the Bebek variety, which is mostly demanded in the German market. The results in Russia were very modest. In recent years, domestic consumption has remained at very low levels, forcing producers to switch to exports."
As for watermelons, Konstantinos Sidiropoulos, of Agrofruits Helia, said that "in the beginning, there was optimism, as initial prices were good, but when larger volumes arrived to the market, prices fell to very low levels. Exports have focused mainly in central and eastern Europe and the Balkan countries."
And regarding peach and nectarine exports, Mr. Christos Yannakakis, Director of Business DP Veria-Venus Growers, explained that "this season we have been exporting the early varieties, the quality of which is really good. So far prices for peaches and nectarines prices are low, as there are great supply volumes from our competitors (Italy and Spain). We also face great difficulty in penetrating new markets."
