Greek kiwifruit could be supplied to South Africa if a new trade partnership comes off. The ‘Hello Kiwi’ program, partly funded by the European Union, would be a welcome boost to the Greek agricultural economy. Head of Economic & Commercial Affairs at the Embassy of Greece in Pretoria, Panagiotis Dermentzoglou, speaks with www.freshfruitportal.com. 

A trade mission is being planned for next month where South African officials will visit Greek farmers, packhouse facilities and trade operations, as part of the impending deal between the two countries.

The idea is to help Greece’s economy and boost the kiwifruit sector by improving trade relations with South Africa. Currently South Africa does export a range of fresh produce to Greece, but this is not fully reciprocated, except in processed fruit categories.

Greek cooperatives are eyeing the South African market and want to tap into kiwifruit supply, while Dermentzoglou believes it could open doors for supplies of other fruit and vegetables as well.

"'Hello Kiwi’ is a special program for supporting exporting of European Greek kiwifruit overseas and the target markets include South Africa which would be a very important importer," he says.

"There is momentum, although it’s still under development. It’s basically an issue of whether now some interested parties from South Africa will be eager to take the next step while continuing discussions with the greek producers.

"People from South Africa want to see the production, facilities and farms in Greece; they want to look into procedures and then maybe the discussions can begin to open up about more fruit coming from Greece and hopefully it will not just be about kiwifruit, more fresh produce will be included in the near future."

Earlier in May there were two key events hosted in South Africa where representatives from Greek cooperatives networked with South African traders, importers and others to discuss the potential of 'Hello Kiwi'.

The Greek Kiwifruit Producers Association exhibited their products, while Dermentzoglou spoke about the mutual benefits of the fruit growing seasons in the two countries complementing each other.

He explained how the annual total trade between South Africa and Greece has historically remained at a low-level and the potential scope for improvements on both sides.

"It would definitely be a very welcome boost for Greek growers and exporters.

"On my side I’m keeping up with the local Greek South Africans because there is a community here. Some of them have supermarkets and food businesses so I keep in contact with them and am following up to see whether they will also take the next step and go ahead and order."

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