Turkey's citrus exports increased due to the approaching New Year's festivities abroad.
Adana, a city located in southern Turkey, is responsible for one third of citrus production in Turkey. The city has seen a noticeable increase in exports right before Christmas and New Year.
Adana produces 1.5 million tons of citrus and 60% of this is exported to Russia, Ukraine, European and Arab countries. Orange prices in the orchards range from 1.10 to 1.20 Turkish Lira (0.17 to 0.18 Euro), mandarin prices range from 1.5 to 2.5 Turkish Lira (0.23 to 0.38 Euro), lemons are sold for 2 to 3 Turkish Lira (0.30 to 0.46 Euro), and grapefruits cost 0.80 to 1 Turkish Lira (0.12 to 0.15 Euro).
Yuregir Chamber of Commerce's chairman Mehmet Akin Dogan said that the productivity in citrus is lower this year.
"The strong winds in late May damaged the trees and we had a loss by at least 30%. This increased prices of our products. We just started to harvest Robinson Nova and W. Murcott varieties of mandarins. Usually it would cost 2 Turkish Lira (0.30 Euro), but this year it is above this price. Our producers are content, but traders earned more than they did." said Mehmet Akin Dogan.
Pointing to the holidays abroad, Dogan continued: "There is an increased demand since the New Year is approaching. The harvest continues very fast. Workers in packaging facilities work hard to meet the demands in time."
Source: IHA
