In an interview with Frutas de Chile, Umut Savan, co-founder of the exporting company Daniur Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, shared his insights on the challenges facing the cherry industry in Turkey, the most exported varieties, and areas that still need improvement.
Turkey: A Giant in Cherry Production
Over the years, Turkey has positioned itself as one of the leading producers and exporters of cherries in the northern hemisphere, with key markets in Europe, Russia, and Arab countries. Umut Savan emphasized that the cherry season in Turkey runs from May to September, thanks to the country’s climatic diversity. “Turkey leads in cherry production. We have a privileged geography with four climates that create ideal conditions for cultivation,” Savan explained.
However, he noted that the growth of the industry should not focus solely on production, but also on modernizing the marketing and storage of cherries. “In the last 20 years, Turkey has made significant progress in these areas, but there are still aspects to improve. We need to modernize our facilities to protect against natural damages and enhance the quality of our exports,” he emphasized.
A Complementary Relationship with Chile
Regarding the Chilean industry, Savan acknowledged Chile’s leadership as the largest producer and exporter of cherries in the world. Despite this, he views both countries as allies rather than competitors, as their seasons do not overlap. “Developments in both countries complement each other, allowing for constant progress in the industry,” he stated.
Climate Change: An Obstacle in the Current Season
One of the biggest challenges for the Turkish cherry industry is the impact of climate change. “This year, rain and hail have negatively affected our harvests. The current season may be more difficult compared to the previous one,” Savan pointed out, highlighting that last season Turkey reached a production of 700,000 tons, of which 72,000 tons were exported. However, he warned that this year’s figures could be lower due to natural conditions and plant diseases.
Savan also raised concerns about the severity of climate change for agriculture in Turkey. “Global warming causes droughts in some regions and floods in others, disrupting production stability. It is crucial to take measures to mitigate these effects,” he insisted.
Cherry Varieties and Consumption in Turkey
Turkey has various producing regions, including Central Anatolia, Aegean, Marmara, Mediterranean, and Manisa, which are responsible for the early cherry production in the northern hemisphere. Among the most notable varieties are Brooks and Burlent for early harvests, and Z900, one of the best quality varieties for export. For late harvests, the Sweetheart variety meets high-quality standards.
Regarding domestic consumption, Savan noted that Turks enjoy cherries both fresh and in processed products. “Cherries are used in the juice, pastry, and jam industries,” he explained.
The Work Behind a Quality Harvest
For Turkish producers, achieving a high-quality harvest requires consistent effort throughout the year. “Protecting cherries from pests, viruses, and phenomena like hail is essential. Modernizing cultivation facilities is key to ensuring high-quality products and improving returns for farmers,” Savan concluded.
Source: Frutas de Chile.
