The demand for Turkish apples is increasing, says one Turkish produce exporter. Thanks to the growing awareness of Turkish apples in certain markets, the presence of the exporter’s brand is getting stronger. The company feels it’ll be a good year, as most varieties have been harvested, with only Fuji apples still waiting to be picked.
According to Tugba Okyay, deputy general manager for Turkish produce exporter Jardi’s, their start to the apple season has been positive: “We’re experiencing a very good apple season in Turkey; the quality of the crop is very good this year. As we reveal the goals of our brand on this journey, we get more rewards in every market we are in. Up until now, we’ve finished the Red Delicious, Granny Smith and Golden apple harvests. Soon we will harvest Fuji from our orchards.”
Okyay states that creating more brand awareness has done well for the demand for their product. “As our brand and quality are seen more and more in our existing markets, the demand for our product also increases. Simple rule works with the right strategy; when you have a good product and service with respect to relevant market inquiries, you will see good demand on your product. The most important markets for our company are global supermarket chains and wholesale market. We are very familiar to work with both retail chains and distributors in wholesale channel. As we continue to provide a high standard, good service, timely delivery and the right specifications, I believe Turkish apples will be seen more in global retail chains and wholesale channels in the near future.”
Dealing with weather conditions can be tough and Okyay emphasizes that growers will have to do their best to ensure the produce survives any hardship the climate throws at them: “As everyone knows in the fresh produce sector, fruit is not something produced in a factory. It is something nature has given us, where the grower needs to be very careful during pre-harvest period. Sudden climatic events are another critical issue. You need to be well equipped and experienced at the orchard in order to timely intervene and overcome these kinds of difficulties with right intervention. Up until now, we’ve had no major challenges with weather this year. We grow in Nigde, which is the city where climate conditions are ideal for apple growing. We also have a warehouse and pack in the same city. Mersin port is a few hours from our packing area which is an important advantage for our container shipments through seaway.”
For the next few weeks Jardi’s will focus on getting the harvest of Fuji done: “Since we’ve already harvested Royal Gala, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples and have just finished our Granny Smith apples harvest, our focus will be on harvesting Fuji in the upcoming weeks. We aim to increase our presence within our current markets. In addition, we will be more present at some countries that Turkey rarely exports to. We have faith in our quality and our partnerships. Turkey grows four million tons of apples every year!” Okyay concludes.
For more information:
Tugba Okyay
Jardi’s
Tel & Whatsapp: +90 531 780 0390
Email: tugba.okyay@jardis.com.tr
www.jardis.com.tr