Manisa, a major producer of grapes located in western Turkey, is responsible of 60 to 70% of the country’s grape yields that amount to 4 million tons per year. The city exports 90% of its yearly production of 2.5 to 3 million tons. This season, 180 million USD (151.34 million Euro) worth of table grapes export is expected from the city.
40% of production consists of table grapes. The rest are used for wine-making and drying. Sultana Seedless grapes are the most common variety that is produced in Manisa.
Hayrettin Ucak, the chairman of Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association said that the association exported 150 million USD (126.12 million Euro) worth of Manisa Sultana Seedless grapes to 59 countries. This season the exports started on August 8 and continues at fast pace, Ucak added.
Pointing out to the 2% increase during the first two weeks of exports compared to last year, Ucak said: “This season, we expect to outnumber last year’s export figures. We aim to reach 170 to 180 million USD (142 to 151 million Euro).”
Chairman Ucak stated that top export markets include Russia and European countries. The project that aims to search for alternative markets, especially Far East markets slowed down due to the coronavirus pandemic, but will be completed soon, said Ucak.
Source: AA