Turkey has seen significant year-on-year variances in its summer fruit exports this season, with strong gains for table grapes and cherries but declines for most stonefruit. 

According to figures from the Turkish Statistical Institute, the country boosted its cherry exports 18% from March through July to 79,049 metric tons (MT).

The world's leading cherry grower also managed to notch a 35% increase in exports the previous year.

Table grape exports saw a similar rise of 15% over the period to 17,027MT, but volumes were almost a third lower than 2014 levels.

The other fruit to see a significant increase this year was plums, which jumped 13% to 27,769MT. The previous year volumes had skyrocketed 167%.

The picture is very different for Turkish apricot exports, which tumbled 34% to 35,630MT - a contrast from last season when its year-on-year exports doubled to 54,191MT.

Peach and nectarine exports also fell by 7% and 1% respectively.

Across all summer fruit categories, Turkey's year-on-year export volumes were 1% lower at 195,489MT

The apricot and cherry seasons have come to a close in Turkey, while the deals for other fruits are due to end shortly.

In terms of destinations, shipments to Russia saw the most dramatic reduction, plummeting 79% over the period to 17,129MT.

The ex-Soviet country had been one of its most important markets, but on Jan. 1 an import ban for a range of produce items was implemented following a military incident that occurred late last year.

A large proportion of summer fruit was diverted to the Iraqi market, with shipments growing 18% year-on-year to 69,188MT.

Exports to Germany, Belarus and Saudi Arabia also grew significantly over the period.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com