Turkish cherry exporters have set a new record with an export volume of 80 thousand tons of cherries this season worth 183 million USD (around 166 million Euro). The increase in exports is due to new markets in the Far East.
According to the Aegean Exporters Association's figures, in 2016 Turkey exported 78 thousand 524 tons of cherries and earned 182 million 666 thousand USD (166,3 million Euro).
This record high cherry export in 2016 was followed by an export volume of 59 thousand 806 tons in return of 158 million 916 thousand USD (144,6 million Euro) in 2017.
Last season, 76 thousand 94 tons of cherries were exported and the revenue from this export totaled 161 million 690 thousand USD (147,2 million Euro).
Record exports despite a delayed harvest
This year, the Turkish cherry season started 15 days later than usual due to weather conditions. Despite the delay, cherry exports have set a new record this season.
Cherry exporters owe this success to good weather and the entry to big markets such as China. During approximately 8 months, covering the period from January 1 to August 21, 2019, 80 thousand 406 tons of cherries were exported in return of 183 million 159 thousand USD (166,76 million Euro).
Germany ranked first among importers of Turkish cherries with 87 million 374 thousand USD (79,5 million Euro). The country was followed by Russia with 42 million 138 thousand USD (38,3 million Euro) and the Netherlands with 10 million 292 thousand USD (9,3 million Euro).
This season, Turkish exporters have expanded their markets to China as well. Together with the exports to Hong Kong, China became the forth biggest export market for Turkish cherries. Cherry exports to China only reached a total export value of 3 million 313 thousand USD (3 million Euro). When added to the cherries exported to Hong Kong, this number exceeded 6,5 million USD (5,9 million Euro).
The new record was set thanks to the Chinese market
Hayrettin Ucak, chairman of the Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters' Association, pointed out that Turkish cherries have become a global brand due to their aroma and durability.
Ucak emphasized that the Turkish cherry season lasts a long time. He explained that the harvest starts in Izmir and Manisa and ends in Mardin end of summer. According to Ucak, this helps to keep the prices stable throughout the season.
Chairman Hayrettin Ucak underlined that the new record was set due to the rapid expansion to the Far Eastern market and the elimination of obstacles to cherry exports in China. Ucak said: "Both our producers and exporters are ready for the next season. We will quickly increase our exports to China."
Pointing out that the share of the South Korean market in Turkish cherry exports will also increase next year, Ucak said: "We are almost at the end of the season now. We would like to reach 200 million USD (182 million Euro) by the end of the season."
Source: AA
