Greece: Protofanousi Fruits SA forecasts kiwi volumes

Kiwi season in Greece usually starts in October and continues till April. However, last season well known Protofanousi Fruits SA was able to ship kiwifruit until early June 2018. Met during Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong company’s export director George Kallitsis shared with us forecasts for kiwi volumes for season 2018/2019.

“We are the biggest packer and exporter of kiwis and cherries in Greece and our company continues to grow,” – shares George Kallitsis. “Last year we have invested in a new cherry sizer. This year we are investing in extra cold rooms for kiwis and next year we plan to invest in a new kiwi sizer”.

Almost all of the production is of the Hayward variety and comes from Pieria, Thessalia, Kavala and Arta, among the most suitable areas in Europe for kiwi growing.

“The forthcoming kiwi season is expected to be good, with good quantities and qualities. Crop should be similar as last year. The volume we plan is around 15 000 tons. In terms of quality fruits already look better both in size and shape” – tells George.

All production is certified by GlobalG.A.P. and Tesco Nurture. The handling and storage of the fruit takes place in Nea Ephesos in Pieria and the packing in Ionia in Thessaloniki. The fruit is transported in privately owned refrigerator trucks from production to packing.

The countries to which the company’s kiwis are exported include China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, most European countries, South Africa, and Canada.

Protofanousi Fruits SA will be again meeting new and existing customers at Fruit Attraction in Madrid, Spain – stand 3B05 (23-25 October).

For more information about Protofanousi Fruits SA visit http://www.proto.gr/ or contact sales people for availability.