The supply of tomatoes in Turkey is plentiful, and the Russian ban on Turkish products has meant even more domestic tomato production stays at home. But even though prices are currently low because of an abundance of product, growing demand and the lure of export prices has Turkey's growers expanding production capabilities.
“We have two greenhouses, one glass and one PC, that span 25 hectares where we grow tomatoes,” said Elif Sakut of Basyazicioglu Tarim. “Combined, that produces about 25 tons of bunch, cocktail and beef tomatoes every day. In four or five years, we want to expand that with two or three additional greenhouses.”
That's despite the fact that the price per kilo for tomatoes in Turkey currently hangs around one euro. Low prices are due to the amount of tomatoes available, but Elif believes demand will grow enough to absorb even more production.
“We've been in the tomato business since 2010, and in those six years we've seen the market grow and develop,” said Elif. “Supermarkets are taking more tomatoes, so while there's a lot of competition and prices are low, the market is growing.”
Basyazicioglu plans on increasing the amount of production dedicated to the export market. Currently, only 20 percent of what's grown is exported. The majority of that usually goes to Russia, and while Elif hopes the Russian ban on Turkish goods will soon be lifted, the plan is still to diversify the markets to which the company's tomatoes are shipped.
“We do approximately 20 tons of tomatoes to the Netherlands,” said Elif. “If the ban is not lifted, we will export more there, and we will compete on our good services, excellent documentation and good quality. Regardless, we must also do more
marketing in the European market."
For more information:Elif Sakut
Basyazicioglu Tarim (Turkey)
Tel: 0090 352 220 0100
Mob: 0090 541 210 00 30
Email: [email protected]
www.basyazicioglutarim.com.tr
