Turkey’s peach and nectarine production expected to rise 18% in 2018/19

Turkey peach and nectarine production is estimated to increase 18% to 600,000 tons in 2018/19, of which 530,000 tons are peaches and 70,000 tons are nectarines. Favourable conditions during winter and spring have led predictions of a bumper harvest. Turkey accounts for about 3% of total world peach production. The western and Mediterranean areas are the major growing areas. The crop area for peach production continues to gradually increase due to new investments. Typically, peaches and nectarines are harvested between late May and early October. This wide range on offer is thanks to the fact that peach trees can be cultivated in different parts of Turkey with a variety of different physical and climatic conditions. The majority of the peach varieties planted in Turkey are Early Amber, Spring Crest, May Crest, Red Haven, Cardinal, J.H.Hale and Early Red.

According to Turkish official data, peach trees have increased by 20% in the last decade, with farmers have gradually replacing old trees with varieties which are more popular in export markets. Nectarine trees have doubled in the last ten years, driven by growth in export demand. Approximately 20% of all peach production is used for juice. Peaches are also used to make canned products, marmalades, and are sold as frozen fruits.