Hayrettin Ucak, Deputy Coordinator Leader of the Aegean Exporters’ Association and Leader of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association, highlighted Turkey’s significant achievements in cherry exports during the 100th anniversary of the Republic. He noted that in 2023, Turkey exported 215 thousand tons of cherries, generating 83 million dollars, which marks a 60 percent increase from the previous year. Ucak emphasized that Turkey continues to maintain its clear leadership in both cherry production and export.
He went on to explain that, as Turkey enters the second century of its Republic, cherry exports in the January-July period of 2024 have already reached 209 million dollars, reflecting a 4 percent increase. With an impressive yield of 725 thousand tons, Turkey is the world’s leading cherry producer, followed by the USA, Chile, and Uzbekistan. “We export cherries to 55 countries,” Ucak stated.
He also pointed out that the European region remains the largest market for Turkish cherries. “In the first seven months of 2024, Germany was the top destination for our cherry exports, with a 25 percent increase, reaching 114 million dollars. Russia followed in second place with 41 million dollars, a 2 percent increase, while Poland came in third with a 112 percent increase in our cherry exports. Additionally, we have exports worth 6 million dollars to the Netherlands and Norway. Turkey’s annual cherry harvest is around 736 thousand tons, with 260 thousand tons produced annually in the Aegean Region, specifically in the provinces of Izmir, Manisa, Afyon, Denizli, and Aydın. We are currently ranked fourth globally in cherry exports. In the January-July period of 2024, our cherry exports reached 66 thousand tons. This year, with the positive developments in cherry yield and quality, we have raised our export target from 250 million dollars to 300 million dollars,” Ucak said.
Furthermore, Ucak mentioned that Turkey is actively expanding its cherry exports beyond its traditional markets in Russia, Poland, the Balkans, Europe, and the Middle East, to Asian-Far East markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and India. He highlighted the efforts being made through initiatives like the “We Know the Pesticides We Use” Project and the Mediterranean Fruit Fly-Free Cherry Production Project to ensure that Turkey produces and exports high-quality, residue-free cherries. “Our goal is to be among the top three countries in the world in cherry exports. With the support of our Ministry of Commerce, fairs, Turquality, and UR-GE Projects, we are increasing our exports. We extend our gratitude to our Minister of Commerce, Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, and are determined to further enhance our export achievements with the Ministry’s support,” Ucak concluded.
Source: Raillynews
