As he'd expected before the season started, the production for Turkish pomegranates is lower than the past few seasons, says Kerem Baltu, export manager of Turkish fresh produce exporter Tumen Tarim: "This year's production is estimated to be 35% lower compared to the previous year, while total volumes are expected to show a decrease of up to 50% compared to the 2023 season. The primary reasons for this decline include cold weather events occurring several times in March and April, as well as high temperatures and water shortages continuing throughout the summer, which adversely affected the trees, blossoms, and fruit development."
The competitors are also dealing with challenges, though, Baltu explains. "These challenges were not unique to Turkey; similar issues were experienced across other pomegranate-producing countries. In Italy, excessive rainfall during harvest significantly reduced productivity, Greece faced serious sizing and quality problems, and Spain experienced comparable quality issues, leading to lower yields."
© TUMEN TARIM PAKETLEME ANT HIZ GIDA
According to Baltu, the pomegranates that have been harvested are of good quality, which helps increase the demand for these fruits: "Despite these difficulties, the pomegranates harvested in Turkey during the 2025 season have reached great levels of skin and color quality, surpassing those of previous years. As a result, there has been a notable increase in demand for Turkish pomegranates. Normally rising closer to the Christmas season, demand has increased earlier this year, starting from the beginning of harvest. Due to this trend, the export and supply operations, typically continuing until mid-March, are expected to conclude earlier in the current season."
Tümen Tarim has invested in its infrastructure this season, which will help the exporter expand their supply capabilities as well. "We have increased our storage capacity by 25% this year, providing a stronger infrastructure that will support our company in expanding its supply share, as productivity improves in future seasons. We also plan to continue investing in new pomegranate supply projects, both for the current season and the years ahead. This season, our main goal is to keep supplying our customers regularly, so they can protect and grow their market share, even though total production is lower," Baltu concludes.
For more information:
Kerem Baltu
Tumen Tarim
Tel: +90 32 44 54 00 88
Mob: +90 53 25 93 69 70
[email protected]
www.tumen-tarim.com
