Turkey’s peach exports reached a record level of 102,000 tons as of August 15, generating a revenue of 76 million USD for the country. The favorable weather conditions in spring contributed largely to this increase.
Peaches are grown in Turkey mainly in Canakkale and Bursa and the current export volume represents a 59% increase compared to the same time previous year. The export value also shows a significant 38% increase from 55 million USD to 76 million USD.
Even though the final numbers have not come out yet, current numbers easily surpass the old record volume of 90,000 tons from last year.
Out of these, 63,000 tons of peaches were sold to Russia, which means almost 61 % of the whole peach export went to Russia, which was a 48 % increase compared to previous year and a 35 % increase in export value.
Russia was followed by Iraq with 17,500 tons, Syria with 5,600 tons and Saudi Arabia with 5,200 tons. These figures represent an 80 % increase in volume to Iraq, a 191 % increase to Syria and a 4.8 % increase in volume to Saudi Arabia.
Turkish associations note that these figures are impressive but not enough and Turkish growers need to take a few more steps to fully realize their potential, which could mean doubling or tripling these export numbers. The main issues to be solved are argued to be - increasing the variety of peaches and overcoming chemical residue problems. Diversifying varieties will enhance Turkish growers’ prospects in European markets, where currently peach exports volumes are quite low.
Source: Hurriyet