Production of artichokes in North-Cyprus at around 16 million pieces

“Artichoke is an important product that is much consumed in both Italy and Cyprus. Italy produces its own artichokes, but every year also has a window, giving us opportunities to supply,” says Erkut Ulucam of the artichoke cultivator’s association from North Cyprus. “We have a similar climate, and we know Italy has regular demand.” He indicates that they do not export to Italy yet, but that he does see opportunities for the export of artichokes. Cyprus currently supplies this product to countries such as Turkey and the UK.

16 mln pieces
A lot of water for the production comes from Turkey. "Turkey brings water to North Cyprus trough a pipe under the sea. This is around 75.000.000 cubic meter a year. Half of this water is given to irrigation and this is an oportunity for North Cyprus farmers to produce their artichokes. In North Cyprus the production is approximately 16.000.000 pieces per year. "The harvest starts early November and ends around the end of April. This also depends of the climate conditions of that year." Every year North Cyprus exports artichokes to Turkey and especially to Istanbul. The volume is about 13.000.000 pieces, it's the biggest part of the harvest. The Turkish market want big sizes of artichokes with a diameter of 6-8 centimeter. The consumers of Cyprus prefer more normal sizes with a diameter around 4-6 centimeter."

Greek and Turkish part
Exporting to Europe is fairly difficult for Cyprus, and does not occur directly. ”Of course our country has a Turkish and a Greek part. The Turkish part always first sends products to Turkey, and from there they are exported further. Export from the Greek part of Cyprus happens in a similar manner. If we export from Turkey to Europe, we have to pay additional customs charges. That is not the case when we export from the Greek part, because Greece is a part of Europe. In future, we hope to be able to export directly to European countries.”

Mehmet Ercilasunand Erkut Ulucam during Macfrut this year.

Attendance at Macfrut
This year, Erkut Ulucam was present at the Italian Macfrut fair with Cypruvex Ltd, Pergamos Agrictrade Ltd, Orli Investment and Property Ltd, the Güzelyurt Artichoke Growers Association and the Organic Producers Association. The booth was organised by the Chamber of Commerce of Turkish-Cyprus and the Ministry of Agriculture. Besides artichoke, potatoes and organic products were also promoted.

For more information:
Erkut Ulucam
N-Cyprus Güzelyurt Artichoke Growers Association
25 Cengiz Ratip Street
Güzelyurt - Noord Cyprus
Mersin 10 Turkey
T: +90 533 863 1791