Turkey set to conquer Asia

Turkey is set to become a key player in Asian fruit and vegetable markets. The country is currently in advanced negotiations to secure access for its wide range of fresh produce to key markets such as China, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines, among others. Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Ruhsar Pekcan announced the acceleration in the country’s plan to diversify its fresh fruit and vegetable exports. Turkey currently is authorised to ship cherries to China and South Korea. Pekcan said that she soon expects China to authorise shipments of Turkish citrus, apples, grapes and pomegranate. Turkey is the world’s third largest apple producer (3 million tons per year) and Turkish apples have recently entered Thailand, with the Philippines set to follow suit. India, the Middle East and Russia are currently the main destinations for Turkey’s fresh produce exports.