The summer tourist season in Greece is currently entering its first active phase, with tourist arrivals increasing week by week. However, June is the month when tourism activity reaches peak levels, significantly influencing fruit and vegetable orders from restaurants and hotels, not only for local summer produce, but also for imported exotic products such as pineapples and limes.

© Iliadis Bananes

“Tourism activity and the related orders from food service businesses and hotels have started cautiously so far, while the ongoing war in Iran is creating problems for costs and consumer behavior. We are also hearing about some accommodation booking cancellations, but until June begins, we cannot know to what extent this will affect fruit and vegetable orders. These are perishable products, so buyers do not commit to orders several weeks in advance. In a few days, we will be able to measure the real summer demand,” says Mr. Pantelis Iliadis, owner of Iliadis Bananes, a company specializing in banana ripening and the import of exotic fruits and vegetables.

However, as the Greek trader adds, the impact on transport costs is already noticeable: “We have already been burdened with transport cost increases of 30-40%, both for shipments to mainland Greece and to the country’s many islands. Surprisingly, bananas, which are currently our main imported product from Ecuador, have not yet been affected by additional import costs, although this could change at any moment. Prices remain at the same levels as last year, while demand is showing a slight decline of around 5%.”

© Iliadis Bananes

A scenario currently being discussed within international air transport concerns possible flight cancellations due to potential fuel shortages. Commenting on this possibility, Mr. Iliadis says: “If such a scenario materializes, there will not be many products affected in the Greek market. The volume of fruits and vegetables imported to Greece by air is very limited and concerns a few entrepreneurs. The real key issue would be the lack of tourist demand. Our company distributes golden pineapples, and for both pineapples and bananas, we cooperate with major companies such as Chiquita and Dole, which gives us a sense of security regarding our supply.”

For more information:
Pantelis Iliadis
Iliadis Bananes
Tel: +30 210 482 3070
Email: [email protected]