“Türkiye could  be one of the preferred countries to buy the tomatoes from”

Türkiye has become a large player in terms of tomato production, says Sibel Karakay, export director for Turkish produce exporter Compass Fruit: “According to the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture, economy, and agriculture politics institute stats, Türkiye has produced 185 million tons of tomatoes in 2021 and is the third largest producing country, after China and India. Our overall average is 11 to 13 million tons. Türkiye is the world’s fifth country with a percentage of 7-8 percent of tomato export. European consumers mainly prefer vine and table tomatoes. These tomato varieties are grown in greenhouses. Therefore pesticide levels are very low and at acceptable percentages.”

As energy prices have increased all over Europe, production of tomatoes in greenhouses has slowed down or stopped altogether. Karakaya feels this brings opportunities to Turkish tomato exporters. “Our main markets are Eastern European countries Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia, also Israel and middle eastern countries. Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russia, which has led to a reduced energy supply to Europe, energy prices have increased in Europe. This has affected greenhouse production. Therefore, we foresee that there will be high demand of import tomatoes. Türkiye could  be one of the preferred countries to buy the tomatoes from.”

“Our tomato harvest amount is high this year, especially beef, tori, vine, (organic and non-organic) cherry, and cocktail varieties will be best offers. Considering all of these factors, we are expecting a fruitful season!” Karakaya concludes.

For more information:
Sibel Karakaya
Compass Fruit
Tel: +90 541 257 5898
Email: [email protected] 
www.compassfruit.com