LEBANESE cherries, Israeli nectarines and peppers, African plums and pears, Chilean grapes and melons, Brazilian mangos, Ecuadorean pineapples, Argentine lemons, Chinese garlic.
These are just some of the exotic fruits and vegetables on offer to the local consumer in the island’s supermarkets and available throughout the year.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s head of Horticultural Section told the Mail that supermarkets and greengrocers were free to import whatever they want from the EU.
“They can also import produce from third countries, as long as the relevant certificates are obtained showing that the items in question are free from certain diseases,” said Vania Theofilou.
“Cyprus does not produce that many fruits and vegetables, so that is why we are seeing such variety on the supermarket shelves,” she added.
Items such as bananas and avocados are not brought in great numbers though, as the island is self-sufficient.
Theofilou noted that the huge choice available was not at the expense of local produce. “A consumer will not generally buy several kilos of exotic fruit and vegetables from abroad, but will hand-pick a few items in order to have some variety for the family,” she said.
Local cherries, apricots and plums are currently in season, with many consumers preferring them to the imported varieties. “This is because they are superior in quality and taste in my opinion,” said Theofilou. “Another factor to consider is that imports often have shorter shelf lives due to changes in temperature they endure during the transportation process.”
Prices of imported produce are often equal to or less than local produce. “The cost of production is lower in many countries around the world due to lower labour costs,” she explained. “Additionally, huge areas are harvested mechanically, which is not possible in Cyprus. Transport costs are also subsidised.
“All of the above is good news for the consumer as he or she is being given more and more choice.”
The marketing manager of the Alpha Mega supermarket chain explained they had a deal with a local company to import their produce.
“Costs are no longer very prohibitive these days and there are no restrictions on what we can bring in and when,” said Shak Vasiliou.
“We will normally import items that are not produced in Cyprus, for example, pineapples. Our tomatoes and cucumbers though are generally local.”
He added that, “due to the demands of our very particular clientele, we are the only supermarket to offer such a wide range of exotic fruits from around the world.”
He also said that imported products are becoming increasingly popular. “Several years ago, the public was not really aware of the many different fruits in the market and they were also very expensive. Since joining the EU, however, prices have really dropped, as there is now little or no duty to pay. Before 2004, pineapples could retail for up to £3.50 a kilo. Today, they can be as cheap as £1.”
People are now also more willing to try different things.
According to Vasiliou, local products are still selling well and it’s just a matter of giving the customer more choice.
“Finding a fruit or vegetable in season is no longer an issue as we can locate whatever a customer wants through the vast networks in so many different countries.”
Sam Kazzaz is a member of the European Chef Association who is about to open a culinary school in Limassol.
He said that many fruits imported from South America, such as mangos and papayas are “tasteless and inedible”, and called for a greater variety of tropical vegetables.
He suggested that, “nice tropical fruits should be brought in from African countries, such as Egypt and Sudan.”
Kazzaz also noted a decline in quality over the years. “Ten years ago, local strawberries were of a fantastic standard. One plate could be smelt from a long way away. Today, they have no flavour.
“The same can be said for the citrus of the island, which is now grown with the aid of too many chemicals. Perhaps the better quality ones are exported.”
He did say that organic cucumbers were of a high standard though.
The acclaimed chef also criticised some places for bringing in certain fruits at the wrong time of the year. “Fruit should be enjoyed during the correct season when its sugar and water content is as it should be,” he said. “I’ve tasted some grapes in January that are completely tasteless.”
President of the Consumers’ Association Petros Marcou said that the wide variety now offered was the result of the free market. “It’s natural to import fruits and vegetables that we don’t produce on the island, with globalisation now a way of life,” he said.
“We ask Cypriot producers to concentrate on aspects that will lead the consumer to choose local products. Emphasis must be given to quality issues, which is something that local products excel at.”
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO PAY
Local watermelon can be as little as 25 cents per kilo, while melons and plums currently retail for 75 cents. Peppers cost 95 cents, runner beans £1.60 and black-eyed peas £2.
Cherries vary in price. Greek ones retail for around £2.75 a kilo, Lebanese cost £2.90 and local varieties up to £3.20
Chilean grapes cost £1.75 a kilo, Brazilian mangos £1.35, Italian apples £1, with kiwis from Greece £1.37.
