Standardization and processing of chestnut products

Standardization and processing of chestnut products

The Municipality of Georgios Karaiskakis is covered by large areas of chestnut trees, as the soil and climatic conditions are favorable for its growth. Nevertheless, the production of chestnut is lower than the potential output and, further, it lacks standardization and processing operations. As a result, the product is sold under disadvantageous conditions (mainly in low wholesale prices). Considering the above-mentioned remarks, the paper examines the financial viability of a standardization and processing unit towards producing chestnut products (namely chestnut sweets and jam and frozen marrons). The analysis indicates that the proposed unit is feasible from a financial point of view and offers a satisfying additional income. On this basis, the proposed plan may provide the first, though significant, step to foster the chestnut activity and create employment and added value in the region.