Production for Greek grapes is at a lower level this season, says Zisis Manosis, an agronomist for Greek kiwi and grape exporter Zeus: “The overall volumes for grapes in Greece are significantly lower than in previous years. We estimate a reduction of 30%. More specifically, the Crimson grapes have been massively affected and we expect to see 50% less production. Newer varieties were less affected.”
The culprit for the lower production would be the weather conditions, Manosis states. “For two consecutive years, Greece has had mild winters and one of the warmest summers ever recorded. In particular, last summer was extremely warm and dry, with few or no rainfall for months. These extreme conditions, especially those in the summer, affected the grape production. We really hope that we’ll not face any other extreme weather conditions, as that would reduce our already low production even further.”
Although the primary market for Zeus has remained unchanged over the past years, the exporter does intend to increase its footprint in other continents, Manosis explains: “Traditionally our export market is the UK, where we ship almost 70% of our total volume to. Another 10% is destined to overseas markets, as Zeus its target is to increase volumes in other continents. Nevertheless, this year, due to low availability, we won’t be able to grow as much as we initially planned. However, thankfully we’ll be able to export about the same percentage to the overseas markets as we did last year.”
Varieties that have better yield could be the solution Greece needs, Manosis emphasizes. But a solution to the labor issues is also required to grow. “Facing challenging times in general, due the climate crisis, Zeus has developed a strategic plan that includes reforming varieties with new ones, that are more productive and more grower-friendly. Through this reform, we intend to extend the marketing window, minimizing the risk of weather uncertainty. The varieties in question have been selected, among other reasons, due to their tolerance to rainfall and with different periods of harvesting, splitting the risk of adverse weather conditions. Moreover, these varieties require less labor, a solution to a challenge that hits Greece in particular. The current labor issue forces us to invest more in automation and efficient solutions for grape processing.”
“The Greek table grape production was traditionally based on two varieties; Thomson Seedless and Crimson Seedless. The renewal of these varieties hasn’t been as quick as it should have been, especially for the Thomson Seedless grapes. As a result, this slow transition has impacted the position of Greek grapes in terms of competitiveness. Today, this transition is already in progress, so we are gaining our momentum. Despite all of this, structure wise, Greece is unable to grow its production, therefore the only way to stand through competition is for the Greek grape industry to focus on quality products, along with quality services provided.”
Despite the lower production, Manosis is confident in the quality of Zeus’ grapes this season: “Unfortunately, the volumes of grapes will be limited this season. However, quality-wise the fruit appears to be very good. This season, our expectations are high in regards to the selling prices, considering the lower available volumes in Greece and other Mediterranean countries. However, we have important volumes of white seedless grapes, such as Cotton Candy and Sweet Globe,” he concludes.
Zeus will be exhibiting during Fruit Attraction in Madrid. You can find them in Hall 10, booth 10D09.
For more information:
Zisis Manosis
Tel: +30 23510 53559
Email: zisis.manosis@zeuskiwi.gr
www.zeuskiwi.gr
