So far, the outlook for Corinthian raisins appears better than last year, with initial estimates pointing to a 15% to 20% increase in production. Optimism in the sector remains, however, cautious, as there is still a significant amount of time until harvest, and weather conditions could change the situation even at the last minute.
Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, the president of the Corinthian Raisin Interprofessional Organization, B., noted that the crop’s progress to date suggests that this year’s production will be higher than last year’s.
“What we can say today is that production looks better than last year and may be up by 15% to 20%. We cannot yet speak with certainty about a specific number of metric tons, as there is still quite a ways to go until harvest,” he said.
As he explained, the production outlook will become clearer in August, when growers will be nearing the harvest stage. Until then, the outcome will continue to depend largely on weather conditions.
This year’s harvest is expected to begin later than usual, as weather conditions in recent months have delayed the ripening of the grapes.
According to Mr. Sotiropoulos, harvesting in the lowland areas is estimated to begin after August 20. In previous years, the first harvesting operations usually began between August 5 and 10, and in some cases even as early as the first few days of the month.
This delay is not considered negative in and of itself. However, it increases the period during which the crop remains exposed to hazardous weather conditions, such as high temperatures, heavy rainfall, hail, and diseases.
“Climate change has altered many factors. Even shortly before the harvest, extreme weather events can occur and cause serious problems,” the president of the Interprofessional Association told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA).
Already, in some growing regions, damage has been reported from the frost that occurred in early May. The effects are localized, but they are expected to impact final yields in the affected areas.
Too early for reliable price forecasts
The issue of producer prices remains open, as there is currently no new crop on the market and no clear market signals have yet emerged.
Mr. Sotiropoulos estimated that the price is unlikely to fall below last year’s levels, clarifying, however, that the situation could change depending on production, quality, and international demand.
The final price will depend on the harvest volume, available stocks, product quality, and market interest. As he pointed out, during periods of increased demand and limited supply, prices rise. Conversely, when markets decline or inventories build up, downward pressure is created.
The industry’s goal for this year is to combine a better harvest with satisfactory quality and a price that will allow producers to cover the increased cost of cultivation.
The decline in cultivation area continues
Despite encouraging signs for this year’s harvest, the long-term trajectory of the Corinthian raisin sector remains a cause for concern.
Cultivated acreage has been steadily declining in recent years, particularly since the pandemic. In many areas, vineyards are being abandoned or replaced by other crops, as producers struggle to meet the increased demands.
An accurate picture of this year’s cultivated areas will be available once the Single Farm Declaration (OSDE) submissions are complete. According to the president of the Interprofessional Association, however, the abandonment of vineyards is already visible in the countryside.
Corinthian raisins are among the most demanding and costly crops to grow. The shortage of labor, rising costs for energy and plant protection products, and climate instability create a high-cost environment with limited security for producers.
At the same time, the number of new entrants into farming remains limited. The need for constant care, significant initial costs, and uncertainty regarding final income act as deterrents.
Call for restructuring of the industry
At the same time, the Interprofessional Organization is calling for Corinthian raisins to be included in a restructuring program similar to the one applied to wine-producing vineyards.
According to Mr. Sotiropoulos, such a program could contribute to the renewal of orchards, the modernization of production, and the provision of incentives for young people to get involved in the industry.
“We’ve been asking for this for years, but to date there has been no substantial response. The Corinthian raisin is a historic product for the country and needs a specific support plan,” he told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA).