According to the crucial information shared by Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters’ Association about fresh fruit and vegetable exports, exports in this product group totaled 2 billion 953 million dollars. Exports of fruit and vegetable products increased by 25% compared to last year and reached 2 billion 525 million dollars. The export volume of these two product groups reached 5.5 million dollars.
Tangerine was the most demanded product among fruits. After tangerine, the top five products in exports are as follows: tomatoes, lemons, grapes, and apples. These products were followed by cherries, pomegranates, nectarines, oranges, and peaches.
2022 Became the Year of Tangerine
Türkiye, which is among the top three countries in world tangerine exports, exported 453 million dollars of tangerine in 2021. Also, tangerine exports reached 465.5 million dollars in 2022.
Russia and Ukraine are among the countries showing the highest demand for tangerine, which is the export champion in fruit. In 2022, 65% of total tangerine exports were realized to Russia. The foreign income for this export is worth $302 million. Tomatoes ranked second with $377.4 million worth of exports and lemons third place with $272,9 million.
Russia’s Demand For Turkish Products Increased
The Aegean Exporters’ Association has an important place in exports with its agricultural production and agriculture-based industry. The Association has achieved significant success by closing the year 2022 with an increase in exports. Exports of fresh fruit and vegetable products reached 1 billion 250 million dollars with an increase of 6% compared to the previous year.
Exports were realized to 198 countries and regions last year through the Aegean Exporters’ Associations. The top five countries with the highest exports were Germany, the USA, Russia, the UK, and the Netherlands.
Hayrettin Uçak, The President of the Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Exports’ Association, said that the Aegean region attaches importance to efforts to increase agricultural production and diversity. In addition, he said that they realize approximately 20% of Türkiye’s fruit and vegetable production.
Uçak Made Important Explanations About Fruit Exports
President Uçak stated that they sell some of their products fresh and some of them industrialized and sold as finished products. The Aegean region accounts for 22% of Türkiye’s exports. In particular, İzmir’s satsuma tangerine is unique with its aroma, peel, quality, and flavor. These unique features have enabled tangerine to take first place in exports.
Uçak stated that the Russian and Ukrainian market has an important place, especially in fresh fruits and vegetables. He added the following to his words: “As an association, we also export to European countries and the Far East, but the majority of our exports are to Russia. One of the reasons why this demand has increased gradually in recent years is the Russia-Ukraine War. Due to some restrictions imposed by the European Union, Russia supplies many products from Türkiye.”
In addition to all this, Uçak emphasized that the products grown in Türkiye have a long shelf life and are good in terms of taste and quality. Uçak said that they believe that they will increase the exports of the Aegean Region in 2023 and added that as an association, they have set an export target of 1 billion 400 million dollars.
Türkiye’s Status in Tangerine Exports
Türkiye is one of the important countries in the world for citrus production. Due to favorable ecological conditions, citrus cultivation is developing rapidly every year. In recent years, the significant increase in the number of citrus trees has led to an increase in both production and exports. Citrus production in Turkey is carried out in Adana, Mersin, Hatay, Muğla, and Osmaniye provinces where the Mediterranean climate is dominant. The Mediterranean region accounts for 92% of Türkiye’s total tangerine production. The production periods of citrus varieties grown in Türkiye vary according to their types. However, citrus production generally starts in September and counties until May.
According to the current data shared by TUIK, Türkiye produced approximately 5.4 million tonnes of citrus fruits in 2021. Tangerines accounted for 34% and 1 million 819 thousand tonnes of this production. In recent years, Türkiye’s focus on tangerine production has also been reflected in export figures. Furthermore, 44% of the tangerine varieties produced in Turkey are Satsuma.