Turkish fruit exports rise 16 pct in a year

KOCAELI - Anadolu Agency

Turkey raised fruit exports abroad to $708.5 million, with grape becoming the highest exported fruit in the country after a 15 percent rise in a year. AA photo

Turkish fruit exports rose 16 percent from 2012 to 2013, reaching $708.5 million, according to the Turkey Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (TYMSIB).

Grape exports saw a 15 percent rise in profit, reaching $187 million, making it the highest exported fruit in the country.

The total exported amount and value of Turkish cherries dropped 3 percent last year, but were still in second place among fruit exports. Cherries constituted 22 percent of the fruit export sector at $155 million.

In terms of destination of the exports, Russia made up 33 percent of Turkey’s fruit exports in value and volume last year, making it the highest fresh fruit importing country.

Although the total amount of fruit exports to Russia dropped two percent, the overall value of these exports rose 14 percent, reaching $235 million.

Countries receiving the most Turkish fruit after Russia were Germany with $127 million, Bulgaria with $43 million, Iraq with $40 million and Ukraine with $31 million.