Following a challenging frost-affected season last year, cherry and peach producers in the northern Greek region of Naoussa are hoping for better conditions
Last year was a difficult one for Mediterranean stonefruit, as harsh spring conditions descended on growers across Turkey and Greece, In Naoussa, in northern Greece, cherries and peaches bore the brunt of the tough conditions, especially at the beginning of the season.
“It was hard, because we had very good weather to start the year,” said Stanislav Anastasiadis, commercial director at Prime Fruits, a member of the ACN Naoussa cooperative. “But in May, we had two or three days of extreme frost. In a couple of days, more than 70 per cent of the harvest was gone.”
This meant prices hit the roof. “The season before, we were exporting cherries at €4 per kilo,” he said. “At the beginning of last season, we were exporting at €9. That’s a huge difference per kilo and people turn to cheaper alternatives.”
Like ACN Naoussa’s cherries, as well as its apples and kiwifruit, the cooperative’s peaches are also known for their high quality, sold under the Naogusta brand. “We have one of the best products, and Naogusta is known for its quality,” said Anastasiadis.
Around half the production volume is consumed in the internal market, with the remainder exported to European countries, as well as the US, Canada and Argentina. Of course, the new tariff for the US market is yet another challenge to add to the list.
“The 15 per cent tariff sticks in the throat,” admitted Anastasiadis. “It’s a challenge. But we always adapt and try to overcome these issues. The main goal at ACN Naoussa is to keep everybody happy and that includes the growers who are the cornerstone of our group. Obviously we’re hoping for the best for the coming season.”
