Salix Fruits has announced the beginning of the Turkish apple season. Expectations are running high among growers and receivers across various markets as the company gets ready to deliver a fresh crop of apples.
On a journey through the landscapes from Adana to Karaman, Isparta and the North West region, the company’s team saw professional preparations underway in orchards, setting the tone for a promising season.
On a recent trip, the team from Salix saw preparations underway in the orchards.
Following a successful 2022, the overall crop forecast for the 2023 season isn't entirely clear on the volume front. Preliminary indicators suggest that export volume might be a little slower this season because there were some localized hail incidents and some growers are expecting different degrees of black spot issues. This could mean a bit less Cat 1 action and more fruit cozying up to the domestic market. Also, some more russeting can be seen in the orchards around Egirdir after a month of heavy rain.
“We're still looking at a good volume of high-quality fruit for export markets,” says Javier Orti, sales manager for Asia. “Regarding the opening prices for the season, packers are seeing some pressure on production cost from farmers, though there is still some uncertainty due to inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.”
Red Delicious assumes the role of the prominent protagonist, with India as a key destination market. Gala is growing every year with new orchards coming into production, especially in the Karaman/Nigde area.
“Growers expect to start harvesting around the last days of August to the second week of September depending on the area,” said Orti. “Good Granny Smith will be available, especially from the North West region including the Challenger variety, with good potential for South East Asia.”
Other products Salix ships from Turkey include cherries, stone fruit, figs, pomegranates and citrus.
Salix Fruits' offers extend beyond that with Fuji, Pinks and Golden Delicious.
“India has seen significant growth in the past five years. This season, demand will be good as the local crop is quite short. There is some concern regarding the comeback of Washington apples after the reduction in import duties, but still Turkish Red Delicious has earned its place in the Indian market at a more competitive price point,” says Salix Fruit’s sales manager.
The Middle East stands as a pivotal market for diverse apple varieties, with Southeast Asia emerging as a robust growth sector, particularly for Gala and Granny. Latin America and Thailand emerge as compelling avenues for exploration, projecting a landscape of potential and growth.
“Other products that we ship from Turkey include cherries and stone fruit (season just ended), figs (starting now), pomegranates (expected to start next month) and citrus (starting with the first lemons in September),” said Orti. “We are already discussing programs with customers and look forward to a great season.”
For more information:
Salix Fruits
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www.salixfruits.com