The apple season in Turkey has seen a better year than in 2020. Thanks to less restrictions in regards to the pandemic, it was easier to do business this year. Demand is expected to slow down slightly in the days leading up to the holidays, but pace should pick up right after.
Adnan Hamad, CEO of Turkish fresh produce exporter Sovran International, states that this year’s apple season has been a successful one: “This Turkish apple season has been great overall. We are grateful to be able to export our fruit to companies we have been working with for a few years, and also new clients whom we are very excited to do business with, as we predict this will broaden our market this year.”
The year 2020 was a lot more challenging for Turkish apples, Hamad explains. However, this season a lot of the challenges have either been solved or are not as disruptive for the trade overall. “This year has been a lot better than the previous year, as the market is slowly picking up. Last year, there were many complications due to the rise of COVID-19 cases, not only in Turkey, but all over the world. It is a little hard to do business when there are restrictions to deal with and nationwide closures. It was unpredictable too as there were weeks when roads were closed for travel, so it was not easy being able to go to cold storages and orchards. Thankfully, this year the restrictions were lifted and travel within the country is permitted so business has been fruitful.”
Sovran International has its focus on Asian markets, specifically India, Hamad states: “The most important market for us is India. Our clients in India love many of the first quality apple varieties, including Red Delicious, Gala, Fuji, and Granny. We do most of our business with companies in India. However, we have also exported to other countries, including Malaysia, UAE, and Russia. Although we have a specific market, we always welcome the opportunity to do business with clients from any other country in the world.”
“We expect things to slow down just a little bit for the holidays, as expected every year shortly before Christmas. However, things should pick up pace right after, as usual. We are very excited about this season, mostly because restrictions have been lifted so we were able to resume business!” Hamad concludes.
For more information:
Adnan Hamad
Sovran International
Email: Adnan@sovranfruit.com
www.sovranfruit.com