A recent severe frost in Turkey has caused extensive damage to fruit orchards. Market participants have described it as one of the worst frost events in recent memory. Government authorities are assessing the damage, a process expected to take several weeks, and evaluating potential aid packages and market interventions to assist growers and mitigate domestic price volatility.
The frost has impacted various fruit crops, including apricots, apples, sugar, cherries, plums, grapes, and peaches. An apple juice processor told Expana that the situation is "dire," confirming that the frost will affect the apple crop intended for juice concentrate production for the 2025/26 marketing year.
The Expana Benchmark Price (EBP) for low-acidity apple juice concentrate, of which Turkey is a significant global supplier, stands at €2,200/MT, up 12.8% year-on-year. Market sources anticipate a possible shortfall in available concentrate, contingent on the extent of the crop loss.
This frost event occurs amidst a volatile period for global trade. With the US and China in a trade war and the US imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese apple juice, buyers are actively seeking alternative suppliers. Turkey had been positioned to absorb some of the displaced US demand. However, the frost introduces further uncertainty into an already disrupted market.
Source: Mintec/Expana
