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18 COMP ANIES

“THE PRESENCE OF GREEK KIKU

APPLES IN THE MARKET IS GROWING”

Aiming to break the barrier of 1,000 tons this year for the
distribution of Greek Kiku apples, ASEPOP Velventos is
moving for even greater expansion of the cultivation and
the commercial presence of the brand in the coming years.
The details are analyzed in Froutonea by Mr. Efthymios
Balanis, Director of the cooperative.

which will be formally completed in the next
period, is a confirmation and the reward of
EFTHYMIOS BALANIS our efforts.

DIRECTOR OF ASEPOP VELVENTOS In conclusion, due to the work you develop
with Kiku, you now have enough experience
in managing “heavy” brands. The question
is: Can the Greek market recognise them?
Yes, of course it can. This is proven by the
success story of our brand peaches “Velvi-
ta”, but there must be the following charac-
Mr. Balanis, how is this year’s production of teristics: First, a tasty and quality product.
the Greek Kiku apples? What is the volume Secondly, the right promotions, which will
and quality of production? highlight the superior quality of this prod-
The first Kiku apples will be harvest- uct, so that it is recognized by the market
ed in the first fortnight of October. In terms and consumers as such, and thirdly, appro-
of production volume, the first indications priate trade partnerships, i.e. those that will
predispose us to a quantity larger than last make this more expensive product available
year. We are particularly pleased with this to consumers who can and are willing to pay
fact, as our goal is to expand both tempo- for it.
rally and “geographically” the presence of Explain to us what is meant by talking about
Greek Kiku apples in the domestic market. expanding the presence of Kiku in the Greek
In terms of quality, the good course of fruit market.
development shows that the quality of ap- With the productive data of last season,
ples will meet the high standards set by the we were present in the market from Octo-
Kiku Company. ber to May, while the distribution of apples
takes place through the store of ASEPOP
So what goals do you set for the production? Velventos in the Central Market of Athens,
For this year, our goal is to exceed 1,000 as well as by some additional shopkeepers
tons of Greek Kiku. However, our plan en- of this market.
visages the even greater expansion of our However, we are working in order to be info
collaborations with new Kiku growers in able to maintain stocks until July and to be Company: ASEPOP Velventos
Northern Greece. Besides, through the geo- able to start full-time partnerships with su- Founded: 1917
technical department of our Cooperative, per market chains.
we stand next to these Producers, in or- Headquarters: Velventos, Kozani
der to ensure the best possible yield of their How is the cooperation of ASEPOP Velventos Tel.: +30 24640 31 333
crops. We believe that there are large mar- with the Kiku Company progressing? Fax: +30 24640 31 924
gins and it is possible that within the next We maintain good cooperation and both E-mail: asepop@koz.forthnet.gr
five years the Greek production will exceed sides are absolutely happy with the results Website: www.velvita.gr
2,000 tons. of our work. The renewal of our cooperation,

FROUTONEA 2021-22