Kiwis

Kiwifruit production begins with careful orchard site selection and planting planning. For orchard establishment, soils with good structure and adequate drainage are chosen. Plants are selected based on rootstock type and variety, ensuring resilience to local conditions and production uniformity. During the first years, cultivation practices focus on proper establishment and rapid plant development.

Growers carry out training cuts and pruning to maintain healthy growth, proper light distribution, and canopy aeration. Pruning is mainly done during winter dormancy, with supplementary summer pruning to improve fruit ripening and color.

Fertilization is applied following soil and leaf analysis to determine the appropriate nutrients that will ensure strong vines and high-quality fruit.

Proper irrigation is critical, as kiwifruit has high water requirements. Insufficient water supply significantly reduces yield and affects fruit quality, while excessive or poorly managed irrigation can also impact future harvests.

The majority of Greek kiwifruit is grown under Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) systems, according to European and national standards. This system combines environmentally friendly production methods based on the rational use of all agricultural inputs, reduced use of chemical products, and controlled cultivation practices. The goal is to produce safe, certified-quality fruits while protecting growers, consumers, and the environment.

Kiwifruit blooms in spring, and successful pollination, mainly by bees, is crucial for fruit set. In some cases, to enhance pollination, bumblebee hives are placed in orchards, while artificial pollination may be used if male plants are absent. After fruit set, fruit thinning is applied to ensure proper development, size, and flavor of the final fruit.

During summer, vines receive nutrition and protection against diseases and pests. Light and humidity management contributes to improved fruit color and taste.

Harvest takes place from late September to mid-November, depending on the variety. Fruit is carefully hand-picked to avoid skin damage and subsequent deterioration. Only mature, high-quality fruit is selected for storage and export.

After harvest, kiwifruits are transferred to cold storage facilities, where they are kept under controlled atmosphere conditions, with temperature and humidity levels that preserve freshness, flavor, and nutritional value.

For every batch arriving at the packing facility, samples are collected by agronomists and sent to accredited laboratories for residue analysis, ensuring compliance with Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for plant protection products.

In the orchard, plants continue to receive care through pruning, fertilization, and irrigation, as described in previous stages, in order to remain healthy and prepare for the next production cycle. In this way, cultivation practices are repeated annually, ensuring consistent yields and high fruit quality in each new cycle.

In the competitive global market, exporting European kiwifruit requires not only high-quality production but also full transparency at every stage of the supply chain. For this reason, strict and comprehensive traceability systems are implemented, forming a cornerstone of operations and a guarantee for international partners.

Each batch of kiwifruit intended for export is accompanied by a detailed information “passport,” accurately recording all critical production stages, from the orchard to final storage. Specifically, the traceability system includes:

• Origin and Cultivation: Information about the producer, the exact geographical location of the orchard, the kiwifruit variety, applied cultivation practices, fertilizers and plant protection products used (with application dates), and harvest timing. This provides a full picture of the sustainable agricultural practices followed.
• Sorting and Packaging: Records include sorting and packing facilities, processing dates, sorting methods (e.g., by size and quality), packaging materials, and storage conditions before shipment.
• Transport and Storage: Information extends to transport conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity), transport means, routes and transit times, as well as cold storage conditions until final loading.

This thorough documentation ensures full backward and forward traceability of the product. This transparency, combined with strict quality certifications (such as GlobalG.A.P., BRC, IFS, etc.), significantly strengthens the trust of importers, distributors, and ultimately consumers. Traceability is not simply a procedure; it is a commitment to safety, quality, and reliability—key elements for establishing European kiwifruit in international markets.

Every stage of production aims to create kiwifruit that are safe, delicious, and visually appealing. The combined influence of climate, soil, and growers’ expertise results in fruit with vibrant color, balanced flavor, and high vitamin content. Furthermore, integrated management practices ensure that European kiwifruit is of high quality and reliable for international markets.