In a recent decision by the "Commission for Determination of the Cutting and Export Dates of the Satsuma Mandarin Variety," under the Aegean Customs and Foreign Trade Regional Directorate, the cutting date for the Satsuma Mandarin variety has been set for October 14, 2024, with the export date following on October 18, 2024. This decision follows detailed examinations and analyses in İzmir's districts, aiming to establish a precedent for future export activities.
Highlighting Turkey's position as a leading tangerine producer, Hayrettin Uçak, the Vice President of the Aegean Exporters' Association and President of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association, noted the country's annual production of 1.9 million tons. Uçak encouraged domestic consumption of 2-3 tangerines daily for health benefits during the colder months. He also pointed out Turkey's 5 percent share in global tangerine production, with tangerines being the top export in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector in 2023, amounting to $576 million. Specifically, satsuma tangerines, known for their thin peel and aroma, contributed $134 million to exports. The aim for 2024 is to increase total tangerine exports to $600 million, with satsuma tangerines expected to reach $150 million.
The anticipated production of satsuma tangerines in İzmir for the year is 166 thousand tons, supported by efforts to decrease Mediterranean fruit fly populations, thereby enhancing tangerine quality for export. The Russian Federation, Ukraine, and Serbia were the top importers of Turkish satsuma tangerines in 2023, with exports reaching 47 countries.
Source: RAILLY NEWS