The current Turkish citrus season has come with a set of challenges, says Akin Soyleyen, marketing manager for Turkish fresh produce exporter Aksun: "This citrus season has been unique and demanding for Turkish exporters. At Aksun, we've navigated these challenges by leveraging our strong operational framework and market adaptability. While competition has intensified due to economic pressures, we remain focused on delivering consistent quality and meeting evolving market demands."
According to Soyleyen, the logistical issues with shipping to Asian markets are still prevalent. "Demand has been unexpectedly strong, particularly from Europe, following unforeseen events in Spain that disrupted supply chains. Initially, we anticipated a more moderate season, but the EU market has shown resilience. On the other hand, the Far East remains challenging due to ongoing issues around the Suez Canal. These complexities highlight the importance of agility and adaptability in export strategy."
Soyleyen states that the weather has had a positive effect on the harvest: "The Turkish weather has largely worked in our favor, despite a lack of rain early on. Recent precipitation has provided a much-needed boost for growth, enhancing the outlook for the remainder of the season. This aligns well with the lower supply across the region, offering opportunities for better positioning in the market."
Despite prices being higher, Soyleyen is positive they can remain competitive due to their proximity to key markets. "Prices are notably higher this year, driven by economic conditions, inflation, and supply constraints. While labor shortages have eased compared to past years, the reduced supply continues to pressure prices upward. We expect these trends to persist, but our proximity to key markets helps mitigate logistics costs, keeping our exports competitive."
In general, Soyleyen is positive for the Turkish citrus season: "We remain cautiously optimistic for the season. Demand is robust in key markets like the EU, but challenges from geopolitical conflicts and logistical disruptions to Asia remain significant. Despite this, our commitment to quality and innovation ensures we are well-prepared to navigate these uncertainties. We're hopeful for stability in the global landscape, as peace and predictability will benefit all exporters."
For more information:
Akin Soyleyen
Aksun
Tel: +90 324 234 41 90
Mobile: +90 532 590 75 92
Email: [email protected]
www.aksun.com.tr/en/