The Turkish pomegranate season has, just like many other fruits, been affected by the spring frosts earlier this year, says Yigit Gokyigit, board member of Uludag Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association (UYMSIB): "The 2025 pomegranate season has been significantly affected by the frost disaster that occurred in Turkey last spring. Most regions reported noticeably lower crop volumes compared to previous seasons. The Aegean and Mediterranean coastal areas, along with the eastern parts of the country, were among the most severely impacted. Due to the reduced volumes, demand has exceeded supply, leading to higher grower prices. In addition, some regions experienced rainfall during the harvest period, which caused cracking issues in parts of the crop."
© Uludag Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association
According to Gokyigit, the demand in the domestic market has led some growers to divert to the Turkish market, rather than export their pomegranates: "In some regions, crop losses exceed 50% compared to previous years. This has resulted in supply shortages both in the domestic market and in export channels. Overall, pomegranate production across Turkey has declined significantly from historical averages. This year, the domestic market is stronger and more dynamic than in previous seasons. Both grower and retail prices have increased sharply, making the local market more attractive and, in many cases, more profitable than exports. As a result, many growers have shifted part of their production to the domestic market."
With the holidays coming up, Europe will start looking for pomegranates more and more, Gokyigit expects: "Demand in Europe is expected to rise in the coming weeks. December, especially the period leading up to the holiday season, is traditionally the peak period for Turkish pomegranate exports, and we anticipate a similar trend this year. Central and Eastern European countries, along with Russia, are expected to be the key markets during the second half of the season. However, the 2025 season is likely to end earlier than usual. Because of the reduced availability, it will be increasingly difficult to source pomegranates at reasonable prices from January onwards."
© Uludag Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association
"Although this has been a challenging year, pomegranates remain a strategically important crop for Turkey. We are confident that, with improving growing conditions and strong market interest, the coming years will bring even more successful seasons for Turkish pomegranates," Gokyigit concludes.
For more information:
Yigit Gokyigit
Uludag Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association
Tel: +90 549 804 87 56
