According to the Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association, in the first five months, Turkeys peach exports increased by 36% in terms of volume and 44% in terms of value. In the same period, nectarine exports increased by 49% in terms of value.

In 2019, Turkey exported peaches to 45 countries and earned 42 million USD (37.4 million Euro) in return. This year, both production and exports increased. From January to May, Turkey’s peach exports increased from 7.955 tons to 10.807 and in terms of value the figures increased from 7,093,000 USD (6.32 million Euro) to 10,218,000 USD (9.11 million Euro).

Russia, Turkey’s top export market for fresh fruits and vegetables, ranked first in peach exports. 80% of peach exports were destined to Russia; the overall export value reached 8.2 million USD (7.3 million Euro). Russia is followed by Iraq with an export value of 900.000 USD (802.305 Euro) and Romania with 500.000 USD (445.720 Euro).

In terms of value, nectarine exports increased from 10 million USD (8.91 million Euro) to 14.8 million USD (13.19 million Euro). In nectarines as well, Russia is Turkey’s top export market.

The Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Association’s chairman Hayrettin Ucak said that peach exports had a good start and continued: “This year, both productivity and quality are high. We expect to reach an export value of 50 million USD (44.5 million Euro)”

Emphasising that productivity and quality are high in nectarines as well, Ucak said: “We aim to increase the diversity of our markets. We do not want to be dependent on one country. Therefore, we wish to export to many countries. We work towards this goal. Last year, we exported 48 million USD worth of nectarines. This year, if everything goes as expected, we hope to reach an export value of 60 million USD (53.4 million Euro).”