More than half of Turkey’s $120 million worth of table grape exports in June-October this year went to Russia, the Daily Sabah reports citing data from the Aegean Exporters’ Association (AEA).
The country’s overall exports jumped 15% compared to the same period of the previous season, up from $103.6 million, the industry organization’s data showed.
By receiving $67.1 million worth of Turkish table grapes in the said period, Russia had a share of 56% of the total exports, followed by Ukraine with $13.4 million and Germany with $6.7 million.
The western province of Manisa, which meets almost all of the exports of fresh grapes, has offered overseas markets products such as “Emperor,” “Razaki,” “Red Globe” and “Superior,” as well as the Manisa Sultani seedless grapes, a registered trademark.
Meanwhile, the harvest season continues in the 120,000-acre vineyard area in Sarigol, Manisa, renowned for its table grape production, AEA said.
Hayrettin Ucak, chairman of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, said that they are pleased with the export of fresh grapes this season.
“Our manufacturers are also satisfied with the price. Sultani seedless grapes especially are in high demand,” he said. “Russia is by far the largest market in grape exports. We have had some trouble with Russia in the past, but we are fine at the moment. We went above the previous figures… We sell one bunch of grapes to Russia, the other bunch to domestic markets or European countries.”
He noted that Turkish grapes are very popular in Russia, pointing to the serious potential in the Razaki and Red Globe species, further emphasizing that they are trying to get out of the classic market.
