Fruit and vegetable exports surge 20% in first half of 2023

According to data compiled from the Ministry of Commerce and the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), Turkey's total exports in the first six months of the year increased by 2% compared to the same period last year, reaching $125.446 billion.

In this period, the fruit and vegetable products sector showed fluctuating export figures. The sector achieved $232.816 million in January, $234.779 million in February, $241.058 million in March, $201.205 million in April, $218.099 million in May, and $164.680 million in June.

The sector's exports for the January-June period increased by 20%, rising from $1.073 billion to $1.292 billion compared to the same period last year.

ISTANBUL LEADS

The United States topped the list with $208.766 million in exports. It was followed by Germany with $176.380 million, the UK with $89.112 million, the Netherlands with $79.521 million, and Iraq with $72.092 million.

At the provincial level, Istanbul led the fruit and vegetable products sector's exports during the January-June period, with external sales amounting to $364.363 million, representing approximately 28% of the sector's total exports.

Istanbul was followed by Izmir with $251.789 million, Gaziantep with $95.032 million, Manisa with $92.894 million, and Bursa with $91.688 million.

Elazığ saw the highest proportional increase in exports during this period, with its exports rising by 8,870% to $152,000.

"WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRODUCE AND EXPORT"

Melisa Tokgöz Mutlu, President of TİM's Fruit and Vegetable Products Sector Board, emphasized in her assessment that Turkey's fruit and vegetable products are of higher quality compared to other countries.

Noting that harvest seasons around the world are changing due to the climate crisis, Mutlu said, "There is a global decline in harvest quantities. We need to plan our products correctly during this period. In this regard, our country can enter an advantageous period with the right policies."

Mutlu pointed out that consumer behaviors have started to change post-pandemic, with increased interest in high-nutrient, natural food products.

Highlighting that Turkey has become a significant production center due to both raw materials and factory technologies, Mutlu said, "Our potential is very high, but we could not reach the targeted figures due to some quotas. We are a preferred country for fruit and vegetables, and we also rank among the world's top factories in terms of technical equipment and facilities. We will continue to produce and export."