A leading Turkish cherry and fig company, Alanar, has signed a preliminary deal with Tekfen Agriculture Company that would help it to greatly boost production. 

Tekfen is involved in fertilizer and seedling production, also with other agricultural technologies.

Yavuz Taner, CEO of Alara Nursery and Alanar Fruit Companies, said the agreement could result in it more than doubling its hectarage to 1000 hectares and further spur on its 45% annual sales increase.

New land has already been purchased for cherry, black fig and apricot production, with the trees being planted during the 2017-18 winter months.

Taner said the company was planning to purchase new machinery and build new cold storage facilities to help double exports as quickly as possible. There are also projects underway to grow blueberries and persimmons.

"We have very positive response from our clients abroad and local contracts for the partnership. Our objective is to be more global with a larger platform and richer fruit portfolio," he said.

"We are pleased to be partners with Tekfen and all our team remain and continue in Alanar."

Along with black figs, cherries and apricots, Alanar is also a major producer and exporter of pomegranates.

The deal is still subject to approval by competition authorities, Taner told Fresh Fruit Portal.

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