As Greece's politicians prepared to vote on highly unpopular austerity measures this week, workers staged a two-day general strike, paralysing much of the country.
Customs have been closed for almost a week, according to George Kallitsis of Protofanousi Fruits, preventing exporters from shipping to third countries.
'The ports are also on strike,' he continued, 'so it is difficult to send to Europe. Ferries usually ship produce to Italy, where it is then taken by truck to the rest of Europe, but the ports will not open until Sunday.'
More generally, Kallitsis revealed that the economic crisis had hit consumption in Greece.
'We have seen around a 20 per cent decrease in sales to supermarkets,' he said, 'especially of more expensive products like strawberries, cherries and imported items. People have become more price-oriented and are looking to buy cheaper fruit.'
The positive side is that food has been the least affected commodity, with fruit and vegetable markets remaining open while bars, coffee shops and restaurants have shut down around them.
However, Protofanousi Fruits is looking increasingly to export markets in the east to ensure its survival.
'Russia and Ukraine are still performing well,' said Kallitsis, 'while Asian markets like China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and India all look promising for the future.'
