Turkey expects 550,000 tonnes cherries this season

Tholen - During Freskon 2015, Hakan Gazi, of Alara, explained the current situation and estimates for the Turkish cherry harvest. The cherry production totalled 500,000 tonnes in 2013 and 445,000 tonnes in 2014. This year, a volume of 550,000 tonnes is expected. The harvest is also expected to start a little later this year. Hakan: "We expect a delay of between 7 and 10 days for all regions due to the severe winter and temperatures in February and March, which were lower than average. In the second week of April, there was sudden and unexpected snow, but most growers reacted promptly and placed heaters and wind machines to tackle the cold.

Difficult to make estimates

The impact of such weather on the production does not appear to be significant. The fruit has resisted it and, according to Hakan, it is looking good. "It's very difficult to make estimates for 2015, but we expect 550,000 tonnes of cherries, a greater volume than last year. Growers are also very optimistic about the season.

Investments

In 2014, there appeared to be issues with low prices at origin and little profit. This resulted in the Turkish acreage barely expanding. Hakon points out that strong producer organisations have invested in various machines, such as irrigation systems, wind breakers and wind machines, to ensure that quality remains optimal. In terms of marketing, the situation is not as positive this season. Germany and Russia are normally important customers, but even Turkey is suffering the impact of the Russian boycott."

For more information:
Alara Agri Business
Hakan GAZİ
hgazi@alaraagri.com
www.alaraagri.com