Spayka LLC has exported over 3 thsd tons of apricots over a week

Spayka LLC has exported over 3 thsd tons of apricots over a week, Karen Baghdasaryan, Head of the Project Management Division of Spayka LLC, said at today's press conference in Yerevan.

He said that 99.9% of the exported Armenian fruit and vegetables are delivered to the CIS countries; however, active work is currently being done to enter the markets of Europe and Iran.  "France and Italy are interested in the horticultural products from Armenia, however, we do not hurry to enter those markets, because there are problems with quality certification", he said.  Baghdasaryan pointed out that last year the company exported over 13 thsd tons of apricots, but this year the exports will be increased. "This year apricots are purchased for 400-500 AMD per kg, and the export price is 750-800 AMD per kg, whereas last year the procurement price was 300-350 AMD, and the export price was a little higher than the current one, however, international markets experience a price reduction trend", he said.

He also said that the company has no problems with the farmers, because this year the yield payment is made along with the purchase. "There was a problem with the private procurers, who promised a high price for the apricots, and when the procurement season came they wound up their activity and stopped the procurement. Spayka LLC did not announce the prices before the procurement, consequently, it is as clean as a whistle", stressed Baghdasaryan. He added that the company repaid its previous debts to the farmers.  "This year 65% of fruit and vegetable exports from Armenia fall on Spayka LLC, and we have already estimated all the potential risks during the export, restored the cold storage facilities which had been damaged during
the fire", he said.

To note, the average apricot price in the Armenian market is nearly 500 AMD per kg, and the wholesale price is nearly 400 AMD. Though the major part of the crop in Armavir region suffered from the strong hailstorm, there is no shortage of apricots in the market.  

Founded in 2001, at present Spayka is one of the leading transportation companies in Armenia, it charters vehicles that are compliant with international standards and equipped with cutting edge systems of control and communication.