“We’ll be supplying Europe with pomegranates until March”

Turkey is one of the major players when it comes to pomegranates and the season is about to take off. For Finkum Europe it’s a good time, as they’ve landed some good contracts with the big retailers in Europe. The season is expected to last until February, but Finkum will be able to supply Europe until the end of March.

Cem Varnatopu of Finkum Europe claims the pomegranate is growing in popularity in regions like Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. These areas are increasing the volume of their orders: “Last year we exported about 1,000 tonnes to Europe, This year we’re expecting to export at least 1,500 tonnes of pomegranates. Although the Egyptians are already harvesting and exporting pomegranate to the European market, we don’t really feel there is competition as the Turkish pomegranates, the Hicaz variety, grow bigger in size and are slightly sour, which our customers truly enjoy. Of course Spain is also producing pomegranates, so they could be seen as our competitor ”

Finkum Europe has a steady list of clients who are already awaiting the Turkish pomegranate: “The biggest retailers and supermarket chains in Europe always order from us. This year is also a late season so we’ll be able to supply the European market until the end of March.”

The situation with Turkey’s currency is leaving a mark though, Cem explains: “The drop of the Turkish lira is a problem for all Turkish producers, exporters and importers. We do hope the situation will improve shortly though, as this week the lira has increased in value slightly. We are positive about that”

Finkum Europe is getting ready for a long and fruitful season. The harvesting should start next week.

For more information;
Cem Varnatopu
Finkum Europe
Tel: +31 6 383 96 707
Email: cem.varnatopu@finkumeurope.nl
www.finkumeurope.nl/
www.finkumtarim.com/eng/