Vietnam market opens to Greek Kiwi exports starting March 1, 2026

In a major boost for Greek agricultural exports, Vietnam has officially opened its market to Greek kiwi fruit following nearly a decade of technical negotiations between the phytosanitary authorities of Greece and Vietnam.

The agreement was finalized after the Plant Protection Department (PPD) of Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture issued its formal written approval on February 13, 2026, confirming acceptance of all proposed phytosanitary measures submitted by the Greek side.

A Decade of Negotiations Concluded
Technical discussions between the two countries began in 2016 and were completed after an on-site inspection conducted by Vietnamese phytosanitary inspectors in Greece in November 2025.

According to Greece’s Ministry of Rural Development and Food, all clarifications and interventions requested by the Greek authorities were accepted, paving the way for expanded export opportunities for Greek kiwi producers and exporters.

What the Agreement Includes
Under the finalized protocol:

• The market opening covers all cultivated kiwi varieties in Greece, including both green-fleshed and yellow-fleshed varieties.
• All export consignments must be accompanied by an official Phytosanitary Certificate.
• Shipments must undergo a cold treatment process, either pre-shipment or in-transit.
• The cold treatment details must be clearly stated on the accompanying Phytosanitary Certificate.
• Exports and issuance of the official certificate will be permitted starting March 1, 2026.
• Greek phytosanitary services and exporters are expected to receive detailed procedural guidance in the coming days to ensure smooth implementation.

Strategic Importance for Greek Kiwi Exports
Vietnam’s approval represents another strategic expansion for Greek kiwi exports into Asian markets, strengthening Greece’s position as one of the leading kiwi producers in Europe.

The opening of the Vietnamese market is expected to:

• Diversify export destinations
• Increase demand for Greek kiwi varieties
• Strengthen income prospects for producers
• Enhance Greece’s agricultural trade footprint in Southeast Asia
• With global competition intensifying in fresh produce markets, the development marks a significant milestone for Greece’s fruit export sector.