Dried Fruit Exporters to Head to India

Dried fruit exporters from the Aegean region, who account for 60 percent of Turkey's annual USD 1.7 billion dried fruit exports, have set their sights on India under the Ministry of Commerce's Far Countries Strategy.

The Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters Association, under the coordination of the Ministry of Commerce, has begun preparations to organize a "Turkish Dried Fruits and Products Sectoral Trade Delegation" to Mumbai, India, between 10-15 February 2025.

Under the "Turkish Dried Fruits and Products Sectoral Trade Delegation," Mehmet Ali Işık, Chairman of the Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters Association and Sustainability and Organic Products Coordinator of the Aegean Exporters Associations, said that Turkish companies will continue their preparations for bilateral business meetings with leading dried fruit buyers in India, wholesalers, retailers, and firms that use dried fruits in their products. Işık stated that they will visit institutions and market chains related to the dried fruit sector and promote the Turkish dried fruit sector, which is a global leader in the production and export of seedless raisins, dried apricots, dried figs, and pistachios.

Noting that India's annual imports of seedless raisins, dried apricots, dried figs, and pistachios amount to USD 464 million, Chairman Işık said: "Turkey ranks as the fourth largest supplier after Afghanistan, the United States, and Iran. We have exports to India of USD 7 million in 2023. Our initial target is to reach a 10 percent market share in the Indian market, and 20 percent in the medium term. During our contacts in India, we will also visit the MEWA India 2025 Global Nuts and Dried Fruits Fair." Işık recalled that India has been identified as one of the target markets alongside China and Russia under the Turkish Dried Fruits Turquality Project, which is being carried out between 2024-2027 under the coordination of the Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters Association in partnership with the Istanbul and Southeastern Anatolia Dried Fruits and Products Exporters Associations. He concluded: "Simultaneously with the 'Turkish Dried Fruits and Products Sectoral Trade Delegation,' we will organize Press Launch, Cocktail, and Tasting events under the TURQUALITY Project. At the MEWA India 2025 Global Nuts and Dried Fruits Fair, we will hold a tasting event in the space prepared for Turkish Dried Fruits Tasting and Promotion activities."