The share of Turkish dried fruits continues to rise in the US market, which has focused on promotional activities in recent years.
According to the information compiled by the AA correspondent from the Aegean Exporters’ Association data, Turkey exported over 90 countries from September 30, 2020, when the export season began, to March 13, 2021.
In this product, exports increased from $165.4 million to $169.4 million. While Germany and France, the traditional markets for exports, were in the first two places, sales to the US market, which ranked third, drew attention.
Dried fig exports to the US increased by 21% from $17 million to $20.6 million. Exports to Canada, which is another North American country, increased by 34% from $5.2 million to $7 million.
As for dried apricots, during the period from August 1, when exports began, to March 13, Turkey’s exports increased by 10% from $184 million to $201.5 million. Exports to the US, which ranked first in exports, increased by 25% compared to the same period last year and rose from $23 million to $28.8 million.
Increases in exports were also observed in the German and French markets for this product.
“The increase will continue”
Birol Celep, President of the Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters Association, stated to the AA correspondent that Turkish figs and apricots are brands in the world and that the US is in the process of expansion despite the ever-shrinking market in Europe.
Stating that promotional projects have been carried out for a while for the consumption of more Turkish dried fruits in this market and that the US is a very important market, Celep said, “The promotional activities we make in export figures have a great effect. We expect this increase in the market to continue.”
Speaking of other target markets as the dried fruit sector, Celep said, “The future is in Asia-Pacific countries and Africa. The US is the shining star at the moment, but our next target should be these countries.”
Promotion activities continue in the Turquality Project
Exporters who want to increase their exports to the US market, which is one of the largest food importers in the world, continue their activities within the scope of Turquality, a branding program supported by the Ministry of Commerce.
As part of the project, famous chefs from the US are preparing menus with Turkish products in their hotels, restaurants and cafes.
Especially in Las Vegas and Nevada state, the menus prepared with dried fruits and seafood gain popularity.
Source: AA / Translated by Irem Yildiz