One-fourth of the January export revenue in the Western Mediterranean, covering Antalya, Isparta, and Burdur, was obtained from the sale of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers grown in greenhouses, according to the statement of the Western Mediterranean Exporters Association (BAİB) President Ümit Mirza Çavuşoğlu.
Çavuşoğlu stated that fresh fruits and vegetables are the locomotive sector of the region. He announced that $217.9 million worth of exports were made in January from the association, with approximately $83 million coming from the fresh fruit and vegetable sector.
Within the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, Çavuşoğlu explained that the highest exports in January were made in tomatoes, peppers, and cucumber-pickle products, accounting for 68% of the export of fresh fruits and vegetables. He emphasized the significant role of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers in general exports, stating:
“Of every $4 of export from the Western Mediterranean, $1 comes from these three products grown in the fertile soils of Antalya’s greenhouses. Revenue of $56.2 million was obtained from the export of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, which have the distinction of being the top three products exported in vegetables. This corresponds to one-fourth of the $217.9 million in exports from Antalya, Burdur, and Isparta.”
Most tomatoes were sold to Ukraine, most peppers to Germany
Çavuşoğlu reminded that Antalya is a city that has a say in greenhouse production nationwide, and this situation reflects positively on exports.
In January, peppers were exported to 39 countries, and tomatoes were exported to 37 countries, according to Çavuşoğlu, who made the following assessment:
“Ukraine is our largest market for tomatoes as of January. Our tomato exports to Ukraine increased by 20% compared to January of the previous year and reached $4.5 million. The country we exported the most peppers to was Germany, with an increase of 21% and $4.5 million. January figures show an increase compared to the same period last year. This gives hope to industry representatives for the future.”
source: aa.com.tr / prepared by Melisa Beğiç