“The past season concluded with an average grower price between 0,40 and 0,45 euros/kg. Now, the first few Greek lemons already harvested are sold by growers at 0,90 euros, which is really high and marks a good season opening. On our side, we notice very ominous signs for the new season. While exports begin normally from the end of November, we are already receiving calls — earlier than ever — from Balkan and other European buyers, who want to inspect the availability of Greek product and are interested in doing business. This is obviously due to the reduced Turkish product availability,” Mr. Mountzouroulias stresses.
The prospects for the new Greek lemon crop seem to be favorable. However, the buyers of Greek lemons should wait a few more days to receive higher quantities. As the Greek packer says: “The crop is going to be about 10-15% smaller than the previous one. Given that last year we had an overproduction, this time we will have normal volumes, but the season runs late. Normally, in the first week of October, the harvest should have been at a rather higher pace than it is now. However, we should wait until October 20th to have more fruit.”
Mr. Mountzouroulias explains the current state of the cultivation: “If you visit the local orchards these days, you will find most lemons to be of sizes 5 and 6, while there are also quite a few size-4 lemons. Thanks to the much-needed and welcome rainy days in the first week of October, by October 20th, all these fruits will have gained more volume, increased their juice content, and gained a very bright yellow color. I estimate that, progressively, by December, lemons of size 3 will also be available.”
“All in all, as things stand now, we expect a season of good quality, high demand and high prices,” Mr. Mountzouroulias concludes.
For more information:
Andreas Mountzouroulias
Citrus Aigialeias
Tel: +30 269 105 6163
Email: info@mcitrus.gr, mountzourouliasandreas@yahoo.gr
https://www.mcitrus.gr/en/
