Greek importers continue to source from Peru to meet domestic and Balkan demand, while awaiting the start of the local and Spanish seasons.

Greek distributors continue to rely on Peruvian avocados to meet domestic demand and that of the Balkan countries. Olson Osafi, owner of the Primorea company in Thessaloniki, explained that both Greece and the Balkans prefer green-skinned varieties, although some volumes also arrive from Israel and South Africa. However, the majority of imports remain Peruvian, prized for their good quality, firmness, and uniform appearance.

Osafi noted that the market is experiencing a shortage, as the Peruvian season is ending and prices have risen significantly. “The most sought-after sizes are 14 and 16, but they are now difficult to find,” he commented. At the beginning of September, green-skinned Peruvian avocados were selling in the Netherlands for 13 euros per 4-kilo box, with similar prices for the Hass variety, while ready-to-eat Hass avocados reached up to 4 euros per kilo.

Primorea ships most of its avocados to the Balkan countries, taking advantage of Thessaloniki's strategic location as a logistics hub. Although demand is still moderate, a rebound is expected in October. Osafi highlighted that sales of Greek avocados have increased more than tenfold in recent years, despite being slightly more expensive than Spanish avocados, due to their preferred flavor among local consumers. Regarding the new season, he anticipates the arrival of the first Greek and Spanish avocados in mid-October, with lower volumes from Spain due to the drought, but with domestic production constantly expanding.

Source: freshplaza.es