The Turkish apple season has been going well, and one exporter has managed to diversify its export markets, no longer being limited to just the Indian market, says Enes Gulbudak, foreign trade manager for Turkish apple exporter Gulbudak: "Our apple season has been going well so far, despite some challenges. We have successfully entered new markets, which has been a positive development. While there have been limitations due to the Red Sea issue, we've managed to navigate these obstacles effectively. The current demand for apples is expanding, thanks to the efforts we have made to open new markets. Our focus on diversifying our customer base and increasing our presence in different regions has contributed to this growth. Our main market, as is typical for Turkish apple exporters, remains India. In addition to India, we have started to work with African countries."
Naturally, if India is the main export market, Turkish fresh produce exporters have had to endure major disruptions in terms of logistics, Gulbudak explains. "The major challenges this season included the Red Sea issue, which has caused logistical disruptions. We've overcome these challenges by optimizing our supply chain, exploring alternative shipping routes, and maintaining strong communication with our clients to manage expectations. Also, having high temperatures before the harvest was challenging in itself. Thanks to the high-tech refrigeration capabilities we have, we've not encountered any serious issues."
So far, export volumes have been on the lower side, but Gulbudak emphasizes that the peak season has only just begun: "This season, apple volumes were low compared to previous seasons. The Turkish peak season for the export market is only just starting. We'll do our best to meet our clients' demands. Prices have remained stable overall, with some fluctuations due to external factors, such as high labor and freight costs. Of course, market dynamics of the importer country decide where the price will go."
"For the remainder of the season, we expect continued growth in demand, particularly in the new markets that we have entered. We will focus on maintaining our high standards of quality and service. Overall, we are optimistic about finishing the apple season on a strong note," Gulbudak concludes.
For more information:
Enes Gulbudak
Gulbudak
Tel: +90 246 313 30 43
enes.gulbudak@gulbudak.com.tr
www.gulbudak.com.tr