Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Establishment of a Packaging, Storage and Freezing Unit for Fresh Fruit
Summary
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.
Background
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.
Objective
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.
Main activities
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.
Results & Benefits
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.
Lessons learnt
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.
Project location and other information
Monospita, Imathia
Region
Kentriki Makedonia
RDP Territory
Greece
Total project cost (€)
207 805
EAFRD contribution (€)
83 112
National contribution (€)
20 780
Private contribution (€)
103 902
Contact name
Konstantinos Papakonstantinou
Languages for contact
English, Greek
At a glance
Country
Greece
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers, Other
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
28/02/2011
End Date:
31/12/2012
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
123. Adding value to agricultural and forestry products
Keywords:
Added-value, Packaging, Fruit, Marketing, Modernisation
Last update
01/11/2013