Turkey offers unprecedented opportunities. Therefore, the Chamber of Commerce of the Netherlands & Turkey and RAAD International organized a sector-wide trade mission to that country. Part of the mission focused on the agricultural sector. From October 18 to 21, they visited several horticultural companies and exporters in and around the city of Antalya.
"You can divide Turkey into a number of horticultural regions, including Antalya. There you'll find, in particular, tomatoes, bell peppers, and citrus. The province of Isparta (the Rose Region) is a little further north. As in many other places in the country, they grow more cherries, apples, and pomegranates. The delegation visited both areas. And the Turkish companies got acquainted with some very well-equipped horticultural businesses," says Anton Filippo of LBP Rotterdam, who participated in the mission.
"A few of the companies do business with the Netherlands. Sometimes directly, but others often via German brokers. A few are somewhat more cautious due to some not-great past experiences. That's why this trip came at the right time. The sector is growing, and there's already a lot of horizontal cultivation."
"The technology is developing considerably too. That's frequently supported by Dutch knowledge and IT. For example, Ani Tarim, a large cherry producer in Isparta, had a new apple packaging line. It was built in Turkey but is exclusively supplied with Dutch technology," says Anton.
"At the end of the mission, the delegates visited the YOREX food trade show in Antalya. We were warmly welcomed. The visit was even big news on national television. This first meet-up with the Dutch companies, importers, logistics, and business service providers gave hope. But, there should be more to come. There are plans to visit other agricultural areas like Mersin soon. That's so we can meet other produce producers too. This mission to Antalya will undoubtedly have a follow-up," concludes John van Wijk of RAAD International.
For more information:
RAAD Groep
John van Wijk
Tel: + 31 (0) 180 692 211
Email: info@raadbarendrecht.nl
For more informatie:
Anton Filippo
L.B.P. Rotterdam BV
50 Honderdland
2676 LS, Maasdijk, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 174 530 545
Email: afi@lbp.net
Website: www.lbp.net