Greek fruit and vegetable exports continue to grow amid rising international demand for healthy and quality produce. So far this year, the value of fresh Greek produce sold abroad has increased at a double digit rate and is once again set to reach a new record high.

Associated with wellbeing and the Mediterranean diet – and with the coronavirus further heightening awareness about healthy living − Greek food products have been gaining international recognition, particularly in sophisticated consumer markets like Europe and North America. This year’s Enterprise Greece-led participation at the Anuga 2021 food fair in October in Cologne, is expected to be one of the largest Greek delegations ever.

According to official data, combined exports of fresh fruits and vegetables rose 14.2% in value and 5.8% in volume over the first four months of 2021 comprising 586,096 tonnes of produce worth €479.2 million.

Fruit exports, which accounted for about three quarters of total shipments of fresh produce abroad, were up 14.7% in value terms to €334.4 million, with particularly sharp, double-digit gains in exports of mandarin oranges, apples and strawberries.

Fresh vegetable exports rose 12.2% in value terms to €95.5 million.