The honey apricot in Turkey started a couple of weeks ago, and the Asian consumers seem to be very fond on this year’s harvest. Thanks to high brix levels, the apricots are very sweet, skyrocketing demand in the process.
Although apricots have been available for a while now, the honey apricot recently also entered the stage. Alper Kerim, general manager of Turkish fruit exporter Demir Fresh Fruits, has a good feeling about this year’s quality of the honey apricots: “The Turkish apricot season starts from May with different varieties, but the honey apricot season starts in Malatya City, from the third week of June until the end of August. This year the quality is excellent for honey apricots. Brix level reaches to 28 and the pressure of the fruit itself is very good. Our Asian customers have told us they are very satisfied with the quality this year. We have to work hard to reply to all the orders. Overall volumes are slightly less compared to last year, though.”
The honey apricot might be popular in Asia, it’s been harder to get a foothold in the European market with this specific variety, Kerim says. “It’s been very challenging to market our honey apricots in the European markets. European clients find the price for honey apricots relatively high compared to other apricot varieties. However, the honey apricot is a completely different fruit. It’s a special fruit like cherries and figs. Asia is a major market for our honey apricots; Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia are great markets because of the high brix content of our honey apricots, as Asian consumers love super sweet fruits. Due to the higher brix and quality demand is also much higher than it was last year. Demand for honey apricots overall is increasing every year.”
Kerim is thankful that both the government and Turkish Airlines provide the assistance needed to get the honey apricots to far destinations: “Turkish Airlines tries to make the best out of the extraordinary situation in the world right now. Passenger flights are too infrequent, which is why they had to increase their freight flights this year, but they are supporting us fruit exporters specifically with different promotions, which are supported by government also,” Kerim explains. “Honey apricots will be one of the top special exported fruits in Turkey. I am totally confident with quality, and who needs chocolate when you have honey apricots!” he concludes.
For more information:
Alper Kerim
Demir Fresh Fruits
Tel: +90 532 514 2080
Email: alper@dff.com.tr
www.dff.com.tr