Table grape exports of $200 million are expected this year in Turkey.
According to the information compiled by the AA correspondent, 213 thousand tons of fresh grapes worth $158 million were exported to 57 countries in Turkey last year. The country to which the most fresh grapes were sent was Russia with $65 million.
This country was followed by Ukraine with $13.4 million and Germany with $6.6 million.
$110 million 734 thousand of Turkey’s $158 million of fresh grape export was composed of the “Sultani seedless grape” variety, almost all of which is produced in Manisa. Other grape varieties such as “Imparator”, “Razaki”, “Red Globe” and “Superior” amounted to around $48 million in exports.
55 thousand producers registered in Manisa and its surroundings produce grapes in 1 million decares of vineyards. In Manisa, which meets 60 to 70% of Turkey’s annual grape harvest of 4 million tons, 2.5-3 million tons of grapes are grown annually and 90% of this is exported.
Half of the grapes produced in Manisa are used for drying, 40% as fresh and 10% for wine and wine grapes.
The “sultani seedless grape”, which is the most widely grown in the province, which alone meets a significant part of Turkey’s grape exports, takes its name from the seedless grapes sent from Manisa to the palaces of the Ottoman Empire. Sultani, which means “worthy of sultans” with its taste, aroma and grain structure, is known as “sultanas” abroad.
“Export target is $200 million”
Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters’ Association President Hayrettin Ucak stated to the AA correspondent that 55 thousand producers have started harvesting in a vineyard area exceeding 1 million decares, and that they expect a fruitful season in terms of quality and yield, without pesticide residues, thanks to the awareness of the producer.
Ucak said, “We started exporting as of August 6 this year. We set a table grape export target of $200 million for 2021, surpassing last year’s figure. We will try to achieve this target, I hope.”
Noting that they have received positive signals for exports in countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Germany, which are the main markets for fresh grapes, Ucak said, “The demands are good, our quality is good. We have a good quality even though we have partial cold or hail damage in some regions. At the moment, we do not have any problems at the point of export. Our Manisa sultani seedless grape is truly unique in the world. I think the demand will increase with its quality, taste and aroma.”
Metin Ozturk, Manisa Agriculture and Forestry Manager, also drew attention to the fact that the city is the center of fresh and dried grapes in Turkey with its production volume, “90% of Turkey’s raisin exports are made from Manisa, while 60% of seedless fresh grapes are produced from soil. Currently, our quality is at a very good level, we had a good year, especially away from diseases and pests. The sugar ratios in our dried grapes are also at a very good level.”
Source: AA / Translated by Irem Yildiz