14 July 2026 · 9 min read

Sourcing Fruits: a buyer's guide from theGreex

Peaches and Greek fruit in syrup, juice and water. A practical, category-deep guide to sourcing fruits from Greek producers: origin, production, certifications, packaging, applications and buyer tips.

A wooden crate of ripe Greek peaches, figs and apricots on a stone table in warm afternoon light.

Overview

Greek fruit exports run from fresh through to processed (canned, dried, frozen, IQF). The country's climate and geography deliver stone fruits, citrus, grapes and figs with the flavour intensity that northern markets struggle to source elsewhere in Europe.

For a distributor, the processed side of the category is where the year-round programme lives. Fresh has its own logistics reality.

History

Fruit cultivation in Greece is ancient, but the modern export processing industry, canning, freezing, dried lines, developed from the 1960s onwards, initially serving central European retail and food industry buyers.

Origin

Peaches from Imathia and Pella in the north, apricots from Argos, citrus from the Peloponnese and Crete, figs from Kymi and Kalamata, grapes from the Peloponnese. Each region has generations of horticultural specialisation behind it.

Production

Fresh fruit is graded, packed and cooled at origin. Processed lines include IQF (individually quick-frozen), canned in syrup or juice, sun- or oven-dried, and puree/paste for the food industry.

Varieties and signature products

Peaches, Standard: Halves in Syrup, Slices in Juice, Dices in Water. Peaches, Flavoured: Peach halves in vanilla syrup, Peach halves in cinnamon syrup. Other Fruit & Mixes: Apricots, Cherries, Fruit Cocktail, Fruit Salad. Alcohol & Gourmet: Peaches in liqueur syrup.

Certifications

Depending on the sub-range we work with producers holding IFS, BRCGS, ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 food-safety certifications, alongside PDO, PGI, Organic (BIO) and Halal / Kosher where relevant to your fruits programme. Certificates and specification sheets are shared before order confirmation, not after.

Packaging formats

Retail formats: jars, tins, cups or pouches sized for supermarket and specialty shelves · Foodservice formats: catering pails, larger jars and vacuum packs · Bulk options where applicable, from drums to IBCs · Private-label packaging and artwork coordinated with the producer

Retail

Consumer-ready fruits in shelf-ready formats: glass jars, PET, tins, cups or vacuum packs depending on the sub-range. Suitable for supermarkets, delis, specialty grocers and gourmet gift channels across Europe, the UK, the GCC and beyond.

Foodservice (HoReCa)

Chef-grade fruits in catering formats for hotels, restaurants, caterers and central kitchens. Balanced flavour profiles, consistent supply and specification sheets that make menu planning straightforward.

Bulk

Bulk fruits for repackers, blenders, industrial users and downstream processors. Tank, drum, IBC and food-grade bag-in-box options where available, with certificates of analysis and traceability to the producer.

Private Label

Full private-label programmes for fruits: recipe fine-tuning, packaging artwork coordination, label compliance for EU, UK, GCC and other target markets, plus MOQs that work for growing brands rather than only for the largest importers.

Export information

We export fruits from Greece to buyers across the EU, the United Kingdom, the GCC (Saudi Arabia, UAE and neighbours), with active projects in Japan and North America. Shipments run ex works, FCA, FOB or CIF according to your Incoterms preference, consolidated with other Greek products where a full container is not yet on the table.

Buyer tips

For fresh, cold-chain integrity is everything, ask for the temperature log, not just the packing date. For IQF and canned, check calibre, Brix and drained weight. For dried lines, ask about SO2 use and whether an SO2-free option exists.

Related products in our range

Signature fruits lines currently on our offer include Halves in Syrup, Slices in Juice, Dices in Water, Peach halves in vanilla syrup, Peach halves in cinnamon syrup, Apricots. Each has its own dedicated sourcing page with production notes, packaging options and FAQs.

Frequently asked

Buyer questions we hear most often

What is the minimum order quantity for fruits?
MOQs vary by producer and format. Because we consolidate multiple Greek producers into a single shipment (groupage), we can typically accept orders well below a single producer's standalone MOQ, often starting from a few pallets rather than a full container.
Which certifications are available for fruits?
Depending on the sub-range, we work with producers holding IFS, BRCGS, ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 food-safety certifications, plus PDO, PGI and organic (BIO) certifications where relevant. Certificates and specification sheets are provided on request before you commit to an order.
What is the typical shelf life of fruits?
Shelf life depends on the exact SKU, packaging and storage conditions, and is confirmed on each product specification sheet. Ambient categories typically ship with the majority of shelf life remaining; chilled and short-life categories are planned around your reorder cycle.
Can I get fruits under my own private label?
Yes. We run private-label programmes for retailers, distributors and foodservice groups: recipe adjustments, packaging artwork, market-specific label compliance and coordination with the producer. Lead times and MOQs are aligned to your launch plan.
Which export markets do you ship fruits to?
We currently supply buyers across the EU, the United Kingdom, the GCC (Saudi Arabia, UAE and neighbours), with active projects in Japan and North America. Shipments are handled ex works, FCA, FOB or CIF depending on your Incoterms preference.
What is the typical lead time for a first order?
From confirmed order to loading, most ambient SKUs are ready within 3 to 6 weeks, including production, quality checks and consolidation. Private-label projects add packaging artwork and first-production time on top, and we plan those on a project basis.
Can I order samples of fruits before placing a first order?
Yes. We coordinate paid samples from shortlisted producers, consolidated into a single courier shipment where possible. Sample fees are typically credited against the first commercial order.
What documentation do you provide with a shipment of fruits?
A standard export document pack includes commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or CMR, certificate of origin, and, where applicable, Certificate of Analysis, health certificate, EUR.1 or ATR movement certificate and PDO / PGI / organic transaction certificates.
Do you support private-label artwork and label compliance for fruits?
Yes. We coordinate artwork briefs with the producer, review label copy for EU, UK, GCC and other target markets, and manage revisions until the artwork is signed off for print. Nutritional analysis and allergen declarations are prepared per SKU.
How does theGreex differ from a broker for fruits?
A broker introduces you to a producer and steps aside. theGreex stays involved through sourcing, quality control at origin, documentation, packaging, artwork and international logistics, so you have one accountable partner from first sample to landed shipment.