Greek rice shows positive prospects in terms of strengthening its extroversion and its establishment in the international market, according to the results from the proceedings of the 2nd Panhellenic Rice Conference organized in Thessaloniki.
“The production of rice in our country is at an extremely critical juncture and today more than ever it is necessary for all interested parties to participate in an honest dialogue regarding the future of Greek rice,” the president of the Association of Greek Rice Millers, Georgia Kostinaki, stated.
Greek production does not even cover half of the demand, she said and stressed the importance of cultivating more varieties, following the example of Italy where 150 varieties are produced.
According to Agrino’s Sales Director, Vassilis Beglis, the quantities of rice consumed in Greece have been significantly reduced. More specifically, the volume of standard rice sold by supermarkets fell 7.4% in 2022-2023 while its value rose by 4.7%. Moreover, the quantities of packages that consumers buy have decreased – they do not buy any more packages of one and two kilos but 500 grams. Moreover, Beglis stressed the need for the production of quality rice but also for an increase in its consumption.
