Turkey’s fresh grape exports up 43%

Between June 1 and Aug. 15, Turkey’s fresh grape exports rocketed 43%, according to Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association chairman, Hayrettin Uçak. This performance is expected to continue for the rest of the season. In this period, Turkey exported 61,000 tons of fresh grapes, generating around US$40.3 million. In the same period last year, Turkey exported 36,400 tons of fresh grapes. Sultani seedless grapes ranked first in varieties exports, with a value of $16.7 million, followed by superior grapes ($5.6 million) and Yalova pearl grapes ($2.2 million). By far the largest market for Turkey’s grapes was Russia ($12 million).

Uçak said,

“The Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association’s fresh fruit and vegetable exports increased 36% this year, surging from $145 million to $197 million. Our goal is to maintain this growth to reach $250 million.” After Russia, the next largest markets for Turkish fresh grapes were Germany ($2.2 million) and Ukraine ($2 million).