Turkey's strawberry exports increased by 95% in 2018 compared to 2017 and the total revenue increased from 12 million 283 thousand USD (10 million 820 thousand Euro) to 23 million 975 thousand USD (21 million 120 thousand Euro).
According to the Aegean Exporters' Association (EIB), Turkey exported 13 thousand 678 tons of strawberries in 2017 and earned 12 million 283 thousand USD dollars (10 million 820 thousand Euro). In 2018, Turkey exported 20 thousand 113 tons of strawberries with an increase by 95% compared to previous year and earned 23 million 975 thousand USD.
Russia is the top importer of Turkish strawberries. Last year, Russia imported 2 thousand 777 tons of strawberries and paid 3 million 455 thousand USD (3 million 40 thousand Euro) to exporters. In 2018, this export increased to 13 thousand tons with an increase by 363% and Turkey earned 16 million USD (14 million 100 thousand Euro).
Romania followed Russia. Turkey exported 3 thousand 147 tons of strawberries to Romania in 2017 and earned 4 million 127 thousand USD (3 million 640 thousand Euro). In 2018, this increased to 3 thousand 557 tons of strawberries with an increase by 24% and the revenue from this export totaled 5 million 136 thousand USD (4 million 520 thousand Euro).
Iraq followed these countries with an export worth of 1 million 367 thousand USD (1 million 200 thousand Euro).
The goal is 30 million USD
Hayrettin Ucak, head of the Aegean Exporters' Association (EIB) said that Turkey's fresh fruits and vegetables exports are fast-growing thanks to the collaboration between producers and exporters.
Stating that the search for new markets is ongoing, Ucak said: "We managed to export 24 million USD (21,1 million Euro) worth of strawberries in 2018 and we aim to increase this to 30 millions USD (26,4 million Euro) in 2019. Besides Europe, if we can extend our markets to the Far East we can reach this number easily."
Aydin is the leading exporter of strawberries
Producers in Aydin's Sultanhisar district are content with the production of strawberries this season. The area produces 65 thousand tons of strawberries per year, of which 13 thousand tons are exported.
Bilal Tarhan, president of Sultanhisar District Agricultural Chamber said that for the last three years farmers grow winter strawberries as well and that there is a high demand for them.
Tarhan went on to say: "Our strawberries are preferred abroad due to their durability, color and taste. The exported strawberries are either consumed fresh or used in food industry. We receive demand from cake, biscuits and ice cream producers."
Source: Milliyet
