Turkey Sets Sights on $100 Million Export Target for Sultan Seedless Table Grapes
Russia and Ukraine Lead in Export Markets
Turkey Sets Sights on $100 Million Export Target for Sultan Seedless Table Grapes
REKLAM HABER / TÜRKİYE
The storied Sultan Seedless Table Grape, once a favorite on the tables of Ottoman sultans, is poised for a grand entry into the global market, with export activities commencing on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and the Aegean Customs and Foreign Trade Regional Directorate, the "Sultan Seedless Table Grape Variety and Mevlana (Razaki Type) Table Grape Variety Harvest and Export Dates Commission" was established. Following meticulous inspections of vineyards across the province of Manisa, the commission has authorized the harvesting of Sultan Seedless Table Grapes on July 24, 2024, with exports beginning the following day. Meanwhile, the Mevlana (Razaki Type) Table Grape will see its harvest on August 5, 2024, with exportation starting on August 7, 2024.
Hayrettin Uçak, Deputy Chairman of the Aegean Exporters' Associations and President of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association, shared that the Sultan Seedless Table Grape, known for its geographical indication as the "Aegean Sultan Grape," is cultivated by 60,000 producers over an expanse of 1.1 million acres across Manisa, Denizli, and İzmir. He noted that these producers have meticulously prepared their vineyards for harvest over the past year, ensuring all requirements are met to cater to the demands of importing countries.
"In our project, 'We Know the Pesticides We Use,' we conduct pesticide analyses by collecting samples from various vineyards and creating a pesticide map of grape-producing regions," Uçak explained. "This season, our yield is higher than last year's. In 2023, our export of seedless Sultan table grapes amounted to $87 million, and in 2024, we aim to surpass $100 million."
Increasing Domestic Consumption of Seedless Sultan Grapes
Uçak emphasized the health benefits of grapes, which are rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, sodium, calcium, copper, manganese, iron, magnesium, and zinc. He advocated for increased domestic consumption of seedless Sultan table grapes: "Grapes contribute to children's bone development and can be beneficial for patients with osteoporosis. Being rich in iron, grapes help reduce symptoms like fatigue, tiredness, nail breakage, and hair loss associated with anemia. They also give the skin a radiant and healthy appearance. One of the most significant benefits of grapes is their ability to boost the immune system. In these scorching hot days, we invite everyone to consume table grapes. We especially recommend fresh grapes for children's lunchboxes while in season, and dried grapes after the season ends."
Russia and Ukraine Lead in Export Markets
In 2023, Russia led as the top importer of Turkey's seedless table Sultan grapes, with purchases totaling $44.5 million. Ukraine followed with a demand of $10 million, while Poland secured the third position with $9 million.
Sultan Grapes Dominate Fresh Grape Exports
In 2023, Turkey's fresh grape exports generated $134.6 million in foreign exchange, with seedless Sultan table grapes contributing $87.2 million, accounting for 65% of the total fresh grape exports. Red Globe ranked second with $11.5 million in exports, while the early-ripening Superior variety, preferred by diabetic patients, brought in $4.5 million.
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