In the first half of this year, Greek fruit and vegetable exports to the European markets, both within and without the EU, continued to grow. However, in the same period, Greek exports to markets outside of Europe dropped once again. These are the latest data from the Hellenic Statistical Office of Greece (ELSTAT), processed by the Association of Greek Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables and Juices.
According to the special advisor of the association, Giorgos Polychronakis, in the first half of this year, the value of Greek fresh fruit and vegetable exports to EU markets amounted to 438.9 million Euro (+26.7% compared to the same period last year), while those to other European countries increased by 5.4%, to 127.5 million Euro, and in countries outside of the continent, they dropped by 5.5%, to 29.9 million Euro. In terms of volume, Greek exports to the EU amounted to 654,025 tons (+17.4% compared to 2017) and those to third countries stood at 180,961 tons (-0.9% compared to the first half of 2017).
According to Mr. Polychronakis, the increase in Greek fruit and vegetable sales in the EU is mainly due to the performance of kiwifruit, as this fruit's export value has increased by 87.8%, reaching 65.25 million Euro.
Greek exports to third countries dropped by 5.53%
Greek fruit and vegetable exports to markets outside Europe were worth €29.9 million Euro, which entailed a 5.53% drop. According to Mr. Polychronakis, this development is due to the reduction in the export of apples, which is down by 56.4% in terms of volume and by 44.6% in terms of value. The biggest drop has been observed in the shipments to Egypt.
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