In 2023, 39% of Turkey’s cherry exports were facilitated by the Western Mediterranean region, accounting for approximately $84.475 million out of the total $214.911 million cherry exports, according to data from the Western Mediterranean Exporters’ Union.
The Western Mediterranean Exporters’ Union (WMEXU), which exported $850 million worth of fresh fruits and vegetables last year, listed cherries as its third-highest exported product, following tomatoes and peppers.
Ümit Mirza Çavuşoğlu, President of the Board of Directors for WMEXU, covering Antalya, Isparta, and Burdur, highlighted Turkey’s significant potential in cherry production. Çavuşoğlu stated that the country produces around 650,000 tons of cherries annually, with the surplus being sent abroad.
Approximately 80,000 tons of cherries were exported, representing a notable increase in cherry exports for Turkey. Çavuşoğlu stated, “We had a good year for cherry exports as a country. We experienced a substantial increase, surpassing 60% compared to the previous year, reaching $214 million from $134 million. Our region achieved an increase beyond the Turkish average.”
Çavuşoğlu emphasized that the Western Mediterranean region contributed 39.3% to Turkey’s cherry exports, marking an impressive 80.8% increase in cherry exports for the region.
The President highlighted the specialization required for cherry exports and noted that exporters in the region continually improve themselves in terms of mechanization and technology. He explained that companies in the region purchase cherries from all parts of the country and conduct sales abroad.
Regarding export destinations, Çavuşoğlu mentioned that they export cherries to over 80 countries, with the largest buyer being the European region. He noted a significant increase in sales to Russia, Iraq, and Ukraine. Additionally, efforts have been made in recent years to explore markets in distant countries, particularly in the Far East.
Çavuşoğlu shared, “The Far East continues to be an export destination for us. We have made significant progress in breaking the U.S. monopoly in the Hong Kong region, thanks to the support provided by the state in cargo sent to the Far East a few years ago.”
Expressing the hope for continued support, Çavuşoğlu emphasized the high recognition of Turkish cherries in many countries, highlighting their distinctive taste and flavor. He concluded by stating, “We should capitalize on this recognition and elevate our exports even further.”
source: aa.com.tr / prepared by Melisa Beğiç