MARKETING OF FRESH PEACHES IN GREECE

The last thirty years peach cultivation in Greece had a very significant development. During the same time in the areas of peach cultivation store-houses as well as sorting and packaging houses have been built. Exports are made in the European countries and for the last decade and in Arab countries. Peaches are sold either with commission or with ex-factory prices.

The main export varieties are the following; Free-stone peaches: Spring time, Spring crest, June gold, Dixired, Red haven, Sun crest and J.H. Hale. Nectarines: Arm king, May grand, Independence and Stark red gold.

Exports during 1980–82 were 33% of the total peach production.

Qualitative and phytosanitary control is carried out by horticulturists of the Ministry of Agriculture. Local markets absorb the major part of the total peach production. The consumption per person per year is estimated to be 12 kg.

The main problem for the export industry of peaches is transport because of the long distances between the areas of production and the destination countries.