Demand for Turkish pomegranates is expected to increase by the end of the current year, says Mehmet Mutlu, export assistant for Turkish fresh produce exporter Islek Group: “We've just started this year’s pomegranate harvest. We expect an increase in our volumes of about 15 percent this year. The pomegranate sales usually ramp up by the end of the year, so we want to be ready for the demand that will surely be there in December.”
There were some challenges when it came to the weather this summer, which caused difficulties with the ripening process, Mutlu explains. “Weather conditions have made the season slightly more difficult. We’ve had a very hot and arid summer this year, which caused to have to make a big effort during fruit ripening. Prices are starting at USD 0,85/kg, with the best quality pomegranates costing USD 1,15/kg. Prices will be changes during the season, as global demand and market situations affect the sales prices. Our aim is to introduce our quality pomegranates to all possible markets, we believe that we will achieve this year.”
The exporter has confidence in a solid season, as they’ve already entered a lot of markets and can make use of their own facility for any post-harvest operations: “As Islek Group, we have been providing quality service at the food industry with our long experience and young team since 1972. Our main markets can be found in the UK, Europe, Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East. Since 2019, we have been using in our modern post-harvest facility for packing and processing with 10.000 m2 closed, 30.000 m2 open area in Tarsus, Mersin. Also we are carrying them with our transport fleet of over 30 trucks to our destinations.” Mutlu concludes
