Turkey: International citrus producer with three generations of experience

The Özler Family has been practising agriculture since early 1900’s in Adana, which is located in the heart of one of the major agricultural regions in Turkey. The activity that started with growing simple field crops, evolved into a multinational agricultural company. Today our company Özler Ziraat produces more than 10 different fruits, vegetables and other crops on 1600ha total area in Turkey and Romania.

Three generations of know how in agriculture has enabled Özler Ziraat to become one of the largest citrus producers in Turkey. Growing more than 20,000 tonnes of GlobalGap certified citrus in all varieties, including grapefruit, lemons, oranges and mandarins, they also market their Hasat brand around the globe. Along with citrus, Özler Ziraat has also been successful in growing the world famous Bursa Black fresh fig in our plantations, which is on the market under the Hasat brand between the middle of July through to the end of September. We also offer our own production of pomegranades between October through to January.

Out of all citrus fruits, the star ruby and rio red grapefruit make up around 5000 tonnes (25%) of total production and is the top product offered to European clients from the middle of October until the end of April. One of the biggest challenges importers in Europe face with Turkish grapefruit are MRL issues. Although the production in Turkey is quite large and many companies from Turkey also offer the product, most of the fruits being offered in the market are not up to strict MRL requirements for many European retailers. Consequently, importers face big problems selling their products to retail clients.

As one of the biggest grapefruit producers in Turkey, plans and organisation for its production is done according to the strictest MRL retail requirements. This is to ensure that the 5000 tonnes of grapefruit is within the MR requirements for even the strictest retailers in Europe.

Özler Ziraat's main mission and top priority is consumer safety and providing the healthiest fruit possible. GlobalGap certified production, at our orchards, begins with the shoot, utilizing the latest technology in agriculture while developing and using methods to keep environmental damage at minimum levels, for a cleaner and safer environment. Packing our fruits with utmost care in our pack house, Özler Ziraat is able to deliver 100% traceable and healthy goods from the seed through to the market shelf and onto the consumer.

For more information:
Ayse Ozler
Özler Ziraat
Tel: +90-322-454-77-41
Email: ayseozler@gmail.com
www.hasat.net