Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Associations chairman, Hayrettin Ucak, announced that they aim to export 1 billion USD (around 890 million Euro) worth tomatoes and tomato derivatives.

According to the figures announced by the association, Turkey earned 603 million 660 thousand USD (537,6 million Euro) from the exports of tomatoes and tomato derivatives.

Romania ranked first in Turkish tomato exports with an export value of 43,7 million USD (38,9 million Euro). Romania is followed by Russia with 30,6 million USD (27,2 million Euro) and Ukraine with 25,6 million USD (22,8 million Euro).

Hayrettin Ucak emphasized that tomato and tomato derivatives are among the top export products in the fresh fruits and vegetables sector. Pointing to the developments in greenhouse cultivation, Ucak said that Turkey can now produce and export tomatoes throughout the year.

"Besides our tomato exports, we also export value-added products such as tomato paste, dried tomatoes, frozen tomatoes, ketchup, tomato sauces and tomato juices." Ucak added.