Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR

EAFRD supported setting up of an integrated modern business unit for cold storage, packaging and marketing of local varieties of peaches and cherries thus producing economies of scale and reducing costs, while improving the market access conditions.

The cultivation of fresh fruits has traditionally been one of the dominant economic activities in Imathia region. The region is characterised by abundant farmland (43% of the regions surface), excellent ecological conditions and high quality production methods. The dominant production is peaches, which is the "heart" of the Greek fruit production, as well as apples, cherries, pears and other fruits. The primary sector represents 18% of regional GDP and employs more than 28% of the region’s active workforce.

The project's objectives were to: i) improve the storage conditions of fruit; ii) upgrade the existing marketing services and improve the quality of the product by adding selection, packaging and storage services; iii) adjust to the timing of demand; vi) upgrade the processing methods; v) reduce operational costs via economies of scale (combining production, processing and cold storage); vi) and improve the operational management of the company through electronic equipment and software.

The investment included the construction of a building for fruit packaging, covering an area of 420 m2. This was combined with the installation of cold storage with innovative cooling equipment, a treadmill refrigeration space for sorting products, an engine room, a WC, purchase of automated packaging equipment for peaches and kiwis, pallets and finally the supply and installation of a computer, a voltage stabilizer, and specialized business management software.

Local peaches and cherries are recognised at EU level as Protected Designation of Origin products. The project improved the competitiveness of the business through better market access conditions; and as a result, local income improved. The producer established a network with other local producers and distributors for achieving economies of scale when accessing the market. Environmental benefits derived from the energy efficiency of the new equipment, the treatment and recycling of waste.

The project capitalised on the accumulated experience of local entrepreneurs in the production, packaging and export of local and national agricultural products. The beneficiary is committed to maintain the high production and processing standards that made Imathia the center of Greek fruit exports. It takes vision and determination to go beyond the traditional wholesale activity and to add value to well-known and highly marketable local fruit.

Monospita, Imathia

Kentriki Makedonia

Greece

207 805

83 112

20 780

103 902

Konstantinos Papakonstantinou

Kpapakonstantinou2@gmail.com

English, Greek