Following Bursa and Mersin, Aydin, a city in western Turkey became one of the important producers of black figs. The city produces at least 3.000 tons of black figs per year.
Agricultural Engineer Prof. Aydin Turkec and producer stated that they export black figs to European countries. “Black figs are profitable and have no competition in the world. Therefore, producers here started to grow black figs. In the near future, Aydin will become one of the most important producers of black figs.” said Prof. Turkec.
Prof. Turkec grows black figs in an area of 5 hectares and he owns 700 trees. “Our adventure started with consultancy. In 2007, me and my wife, we noticed that it is possible to grow black figs in the area. As of 2011, we started to produce and export black figs.” he explained the story behind his business.
“Air freight would increase exports”
Prof. Turkec suggests that air freight would increase exports from the city if the airports nearby can be used for that purpose. “If we can use Aydin and Cildir airports, the products would be delivered faster. Currently, air freight is only possible from Izmir and Istanbul. If the airports in the area are used, export volume would quickly increase.” Prof. Turkec contended.
“The season is almost completed in the city, Bursa will take over next. The yields are the same as last year, maybe a bit higher. We had no problems in terms of quality and we can say that we achieved our goals.” said Prof. Turkec.
The target is Far East
Turkey aimed to export over 40 million USD worth of black figs last year and that goal was achieved, Prof. Turkec claimed.
“Our largest market is Europe. We export mainly to Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and France. There is an ongoing effort to expand our exports to the Far East. Last year, the export value to Hong Kong reached 2 million USD. However, we can export more to other countries in the area. We need to invest in the further promotion of our product,” Prof. Turkec concluded.
Source: Hurriyet
