“So far, so good,” according to Yafuz Taner of Alanar. Turkey is set for a great cherry season. The winter provided enough cool temperatures for the fruit to properly develop. Given that in the coming two months growers won’t be surprised by spring frost, volumes and quality should be great. The export season for cherries should start at the end of May.Last year there were shortages in cherry volumes, which has led to higher prices to the benefit of Turkish growers. For Alanar, the export volume of last year stood at 4,000 tons. Alanar said that this volume is set to increase by 25 to 30%. A major catalyst for the increased export volume is the Eastern market.
“Ten days ago I was in Hong Kong. We made new contacts in the supermarket sector of China, which should give us more opportunities for trade,” says Taner.
Due to increased political tensions between Turkey and Russia, the export volumes to Russia were diminished last year. Taner thinks that the export could easily increase if Turkey and Russia are able to improve their political ties.
“We’re right now investing in infrastructure and new machinery, such as grading machines and sorting lines. While we can’t tell how our competitors are going to fare, we’ve improved our preparations for both European and Far Eastern markets a lot when compared to last year.
Black figs
Growers of black figs have seen favorable weather conditions in the last couple of years. Taner said that the weather may actually have been “too” favorable. “High volumes at the start of the season led to a surplus that the sector wasn’t always prepared for.”
However, Taner is now expecting a positive season. “There aren’t that many growers active right now, but the few that are now actively producing are doing a good job. There are limited volumes in the early regions, which is actually a good thing with regards to the far eastern markets. There usually are too many growing regions.”
Alanar has invested in growing companies in the Aydin region in Turkey. Aydin is famous for its dried figs. The produce of Aydin is mainly going to be sent to far eastern markets, though a part will also end up in Europe and the UK.
“With all the products we’re dealing with, we’re going to get more opportunities in both volume and quality. We expect to boost our export by 40%. In the past we’ve invested in 400 hectares of acreage across different regions. As the trees are maturing, they start to produce more, which gives us more volume. And this year we’re going to be investing in new packaging methods.”
The grower/exporter Alanar aims to deliver a total package. Apart from cherries and black figs, the company also exports apricots and pomegranates. Alanar offers patented apricot varieties, for which the season starts in the first week of May. “Our apricots are quite delicate. They’re small, darker in color than other apricots and they’re very sweet, with high brix levels. The sweet taste is in great demand among consumers in eastern markets,” says Taner in conclusion.
For more information:
Yavuz Taner
Alanar
Tel: 0090-224-211-03-25
Mob: 0090-532-293-7229
Email yavuztaner@alarafidan.com.tr
www.alarafidan.com.tr