Weekly updates on the kiwis market
The kiwi fruit sector continues to grow each year, driven by increasing demand, and the European kiwi season has now begun. However, market quantities remain limited. Green-fleshed kiwis from Greece and Italy have started arriving in wholesale markets across Europe.
This week, we have gathered valuable information from our experts at Wikifarmer and reliable sources, including the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
In Central Europe's fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale markets, offerings come from various regions, including Europe, Chile, and New Zealand. Along with this diversity of origins, there is also a noticeable range in prices. Greek kiwis (cal. 30/33) are priced at €1.46/kg, while Italian kiwis are being sold at double the price, likely due to challenges faced by Italian crops. Italy's green kiwifruit production is expected to decrease by 10-15% this season due to poor weather during pollination and a mild winter, following an already low yield last year. Yellow-fleshed varieties are also affected, with variation depending on the type, while red kiwifruit volumes are expected to increase as new plants mature. Meanwhile, Greece's production remains stable or is rising. Italy's kiwifruit export volumes have dropped by nearly 30% to 117,220 tonnes, although export value has only declined by 2.9% to €275.1 million, partly due to the ongoing impact of the moria disease.
Non-European production countries are offering kiwis at higher prices than Greece as the kiwi season in the Southern Hemisphere is nearing its end. Greece is expecting to begin the harvest of the Hayward variety next week (15th of October) and aims to expand its green kiwifruit market overseas. On the other hand, Italy is focusing on increasing its production of gold varieties, as demand for these is growing, and they are more resilient to environmental challenges.
Greek kiwi boom: Expanding orchards and growing market influence
Greece has established a strong position in the European Kiwi market and is expanding its orchards. Many producers are transitioning to kiwi cultivation, especially in regions traditionally known for stone fruit production, due to the sector's high profitability.
Greece is recognized for its high-quality Hayward variety, with the Ministry of Rural Development and Food setting the harvest date for October 15th. According to the measurements of the fruit’s organoleptic characteristics, that date signifies that the fruits are meeting the maturity specifications—a ripeness degree of 6.2° Brix and an average dry matter content of 15%—and are eligible for harvest, as per EU and national regulations. Despite climate challenges this year, stakeholders report that the overall quality and size of the fruit remain satisfactory.
However, the premature appearance of Greek Hayward kiwis in exports has again been an issue this year. Exporters emphasize the need for stricter controls and fines to prevent illegal exports and mislabeling, which could damage the reputation of Greek kiwis.
Additionally, Greece has a growing interest in the cultivation of gold kiwis. Given the challenges the Italian market faces due to the “Moria” disease and adverse weather conditions, Greek producers and cooperatives are expanding their cultivation of yellow kiwi varieties. The rising demand, coupled with their resilience to certain environmental conditions, is encouraging Greek professionals to increase their market share. As the Wikifarmer Marketplace has observed, last year was successful for Greek kiwis, with strong global demand for the products. According to our experts, this year is also expected to be strong, with programs already secured.