The Turkish sugar apricot season has kicked off with a good start in terms of both demand and supply, says Akin Soyleyen, marketing manager for Turkish fruit exporter Aksun: "As of week 24, the sugar apricot has officially returned to markets, kicking off the 2025 export season with strong demand and promising quality. Long celebrated for its intense sweetness and vibrant appearance, the sugar apricot, especially from Turkey's Malatya region, continues to command attention in premium fresh fruit categories worldwide."
© AksunAccording to Soyleyen, the production of sugar apricots in other regions complements the traditional supply. "However, this year's harvest brings a shift. While Malatya remains the heartland of apricot cultivation, the region is facing a limited crop in 2025 due to weather-related challenges. As a result, attention is increasingly turning to Hatay, where growers are producing high-quality sugar apricots that are gaining popularity for their flavor, color, and consistency. The Hatay harvest is proving to be a valuable complement to Malatya's traditional supply, helping to meet the strong early-season demand."
© Aksun
Soyleyen emphasizes that sugar apricots have higher brix levels than other stone fruits: "Sugar apricots differ from regular apricots in both taste and structure. They are smaller, more aromatic, and contain exceptionally high sugar content, with Brix levels reaching up to 27°. In contrast to standard apricots, which are larger and tend to have a mildly tart profile, sugar apricots offer a rich, naturally sweet experience that appeals to both gourmet consumers and health-conscious buyers, looking for sweetness without additives."
"Their firm texture and resilient skin make sugar apricots particularly suited for export logistics. This year, Turkish exporters have begun partial shipments to markets across Europe, Asia, and Canada, ensuring that global buyers receive fruit at optimal freshness. The early arrival of sugar apricots on the market also gives Turkey a competitive edge, as one of the first high-Brix stone fruits of the season."
© Aksun
The sugar apricot season is expected to be strong, overall: "As consumers continue to prioritize flavor, traceability, and uniqueness in fresh produce, sugar apricots are well-positioned to shine. With exports now fully underway and supply drawing from both Malatya and Hatay, the 2025 season is set to be a strong one, despite regional fluctuations, offering buyers a reliable source of one of the world's sweetest natural fruits," Soyleyen concludes.
For more information:
Akin Soyleyen
Aksun
Tel: +90 324 234 41 90
Mobile: +90 532 590 75 92
Email: [email protected]
www.aksun.com.tr/en/
