Between January 1 and June 12, 2024, Turkey's exports of peaches and nectarines saw a substantial rise, with figures reaching 33 million dollars from the previous year's 17 million dollars, marking a 94 percent increase. Since 2019, when exports were valued at 90 million dollars, there has been a consistent annual growth, culminating in 203.5 million dollars by the end of 2023. The Aegean Exporters' Association highlighted a growth in export volume from 104 thousand tons to 134 thousand tons. Hayrettin Ucak, Deputy Coordinator Leader of the Aegean Exporters' Association and Leader of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, emphasized the importance of peaches and nectarines in Turkey's export portfolio.
Ucak also mentioned the health benefits of peaches and nectarines, including fiber content that aids in digestion and blood sugar regulation, contributing to their increasing consumption. With ambitions to elevate peach and nectarine exports beyond 250 million dollars in 2024, efforts are underway to secure phytosanitary certificates with Far Eastern countries, potentially raising exports to 500 million dollars. Turkey ranks third globally in peach production and second in exports, with Izmir being a significant production hub. Ucak commended the hard work of producers, especially during harvest periods beginning at 04:00, and extended Eid al-Adha greetings to all involved in the sector.
Source: raillynews.com