EİB Hosted Representatives of the European Dried Fruit Sector in Türkiye

The Aegean Dried Fruit and Products Exporters’ Association (EİB) hosted executives from leading organizations of the European dried fruit sector in Türkiye. As part of the program, in which representatives of FRUCOM, Waren-Verein and NZV participated, production sites, research institutes, laboratories and export facilities in İzmir, Aydın and Manisa were visited. Current developments regarding regulations, food safety, quality, sustainability and the supply chain in the European dried fruit market were evaluated together with exporters.

The Aegean Dried Fruit and Products Exporters’ Association strengthened its cooperation with European sector organizations through a program covering production, R&D, food safety and international trade topics.

As part of the program held between August 29–September 3, 2026, executives from FRUCOM, the Brussels-based European Federation of Trade in Dried Fruit, Nuts, Canned Products and Similar Goods, Germany-based Waren-Verein der Hamburger Börse e.V., and the Netherlands-based Nederlandse Zuidvruchten Vereniging (NZV) met with sector representatives in İzmir, Aydın and Manisa.

The delegation included FRUCOM Secretary General Anna Boulova, FRUCOM Food Policy Advisor João Pereira, Waren-Verein der Hamburger Börse e.V. General Manager Jeanette Gonnermann, Food Policy Advisor Ute Thote, NZV Secretary Barbara Niemans, and Regulatory Affairs Advisor Danielle Vreedzaam.

Throughout the program, the European sector representatives had the opportunity to examine on-site the value chain of the Turkish dried fruit sector, from production to export. Information was shared on production practices, harvesting and drying processes, product acceptance, grading, processing, laboratory analyses, quality control and export processes.

Production and R&D infrastructure in dried figs examined
During the Aydın leg of the program, dried fig producer orchards as well as processing and export facilities were visited. The delegation was informed about the production conditions, harvesting and drying practices, product acceptance, grading and quality control processes in the region where Sarılop dried figs are grown.

The delegation also visited the Fig Research Institute, where they received information on R&D efforts aimed at increasing yield and quality in dried figs, resolving production issues, and improving food safety.

During the visits, it was emphasized that Türkiye’s competitiveness in dried figs is supported not only by production experience but also by research infrastructure, laboratory capacity, quality control systems and export expertise.

Food safety and regulations at the center of the agenda
The European delegation, visiting the Bornova Plant Protection Research Institute in İzmir, examined the institute’s work in plant health, pest control, product reliability and food safety.

In the part of the program held at EİB, current developments in the European dried fruit market were discussed with exporters. Executives from FRUCOM, Waren-Verein and NZV provided information on the expectations of the importer and retail sector in Europe, sustainability criteria, and current developments in European Union regulations.

At the meeting, the position of Turkish dried apricots, dried figs and sultanas in the European market was evaluated, with topics such as food safety, mycotoxins, pesticide regulations, sustainability, traceability and the supply chain coming to the fore.

“We complement our field efforts with our active representation in Europe”
Yusuf Gabay, Chairman of the Aegean Dried Fruit and Products Exporters’ Association, stated that the European market holds strategic importance for the Turkish dried fruit sector, and said they are carrying out extensive efforts ranging from production to regulation in order to preserve competitiveness.

Gabay said, “We work with our producers in the field to improve quality and food safety, strengthen our scientific and technical infrastructure with our research institutions, and prepare our enterprises and exporters for the expectations of international markets. At the same time, we remain in constant contact with sector organizations and decision-makers in Europe. We complement the efforts we carry out in the field with our active representation in Europe,” he said.

Noting that the strong position of the Turkish dried fruit sector is not based solely on production volume, Gabay stated that the ecosystem formed by research institutions, laboratories, producers, processing facilities and exporters plays an important role in the sector’s international competitiveness.

Emphasis on scientifically based regulation and transition periods
At the meeting, where the effects on the sector of new regulations that have entered into force and are on the agenda in the European Union were also evaluated, it was emphasized that food safety and sustainable trade should be considered together.

Gabay stated that protecting consumer health is the sector’s fundamental priority, and said that regulations should be prepared on the basis of scientific data and comprehensive impact analyses.

“There can be no compromise on food safety. However, there is a need for regulations that are practicable and scientifically based for producers, exporters and importers alike. It is of great importance that sufficient transition periods are granted so that production planning can be carried out and the existing supply chain can adapt to the new rules. We believe that the analysis data obtained in the sector should form a scientific basis for decision-making processes,” he said.

Sultana raisin chain examined in Manisa
During the Manisa leg of the program, the Manisa Viticulture Research Institute was visited. The delegation was informed about R&D efforts in viticulture, laboratory infrastructure and food technology applications. Product tasting and a harvest demonstration were also carried out as part of the visit.

During visits to vineyards, exhibition areas and raisin processing facilities in different regions of Manisa, early warning systems, vineyard management, harvesting and drying processes, as well as product acceptance, processing, quality control and marketing stages were discussed.

Technical cooperation with Europe to continue
As part of the program, it was conveyed to the European sector representatives that Türkiye’s international position in dried fruit stems from an integrated structure formed by its deep-rooted production culture, R&D capacity, laboratory infrastructure, producer experience, modern processing facilities, quality systems and export competencies.

At the end of the program, consensus was reached that the European stakeholders would share the information and assessments they gathered in Türkiye with relevant sector organizations and institutions in their own countries.

The parties also agreed to continue technical dialogue, develop joint efforts on priority issues for the sector, increase mutual visits, and implement more comprehensive cooperation programs.