Strawberry Exports Rise 333%

Fresh strawberry exports from Turkey surge 333% in first quarter of 2021, with value-added product now shipped to 29 countries in fresh, frozen or dried form. Turkey's total strawberry export volume rose from USD 993,000 to USD 4,307,000 in the first three months of the year, setting a new record.

The Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association Chairman Hayrettin Uçak stated that the Aegean region plays an important role in strawberry production and exports, noting that strawberry production in Aydın has increased significantly in recent years. The Aegean region achieved a 160% increase in strawberry exports during the January-March 2021 period. "In the first three months of 2021, Turkey's total strawberry exports grew by 333% to USD 4,307,000, while the Aegean region saw a 160% increase reaching USD 839,000. In the same period last year, we exported to 15 countries, but we have now expanded to 29 countries. In 2020, we earned USD 24,590,000 from exporting 25,600 tons of fresh strawberries. Approximately 60% of exports went to Russia, followed by Romania, Iraq and Georgia. Compared to 2019, we experienced a 188% increase in strawberry exports to Romania. Our target for 2021 is to increase exports to USD 40 million."

Dried strawberry exports in 2020: USD 8 million

Uçak noted that strawberries are exported intensively in fresh, frozen and dried forms, stating: "In 2020, we exported 22,620 tons of frozen strawberries, generating USD 45,423,000 in foreign currency for our country. The top four destinations for our frozen strawberry exports are the United States, Germany, Canada and the United Kingdom. We also export strawberries as high value-added products after drying and re-sweetening. In 2020, our dried strawberry exports reached USD 8,327,000. The average unit price of dried strawberries exceeded USD 4. The countries receiving the largest volumes are the United States and the United Kingdom." Hayrettin Uçak added that according to Turkish Statistical Institute data, Aydın province produced 67,000 tons of strawberries in the previous season, with 60% of this production coming from protected cultivation. "Aydın ranks as the third largest province in protected strawberry cultivation after Mersin and Antalya. In 2021, strawberry seedling planting in the Aydın region increased by 10% compared to the previous year. Should weather conditions remain within seasonal norms, we expect an increase in yields. We anticipate corresponding growth in exports as well. Looking at export expectations, the 2020 season started slowly as the beginning of the season in our country coincided with the onset of the pandemic. This season can be said to have started as expected for exports. If the projected yield increase materializes, both fresh and frozen strawberry exports in 2021 should show growth compared to 2020."