Turkey is the world leader in terms of cherry production. In terms of exports the country ranks thirds. This year the yield has decreased by 30-40 percent, but exports have reached record levels.
According to a written statement from the Turkish Aegean Exporters Association, the cherry export season began April 1, 2016 and in the course of 3 months 137.835 million dollars of cherries have been exported. In the same period last year, 69.533 million dollars of the fruit was exported. In terms of volume exports increased by 47 percent, in terms of value and they increased by 98 percent.
According to Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Union Chairman Riza Seyyar, several production areas experienced a significant amount of crop losses due to frost and hail. In Izmir’s Kemapasa region in particular, a significant amount of the crop was lost.
In general, in Turkey, around 30-40 percent of the crop was lost, said Seyyar and in Europe, in Spain and Italy in particular, the cherry yield also dropped.
Seyyar indicated that the average export price increased due to the fall in the harvest, ''Last year, export prices were between 1.5-2 dollars, this year the price is 2.5 dollars. Although the exports this year will be lower in quantity, this will be covered by the increase in value. This cherry export season can be summarised by happy faces.’’
Season started 15 days early
The harvest started 15 days early this year due to the climate and exports also started earlier. ‘’We expect to export around 65,000 tons. The early ripening, which led to the early season gave us a big advantage.’’
Germany first, Russia second
Germany takes first place for importing the most cherries from Turkey, with a value of 64.543 million dollars, Russia followed with 16.732 million dollars. Turkey sent 10.8 million dollars worth of cherries to Australia and 10.3 million dollars worth to Holland. Turkey is exporting to 43 countries.
Source: milliyet.com
