BİROL CELEP: WE HAVE SURPASSED 500 MILLION DOLLARS IN RAISIN EXPORTS

Turkey, started export of seedless grapes from September 1, 2018 that ended on August 31, 2019, obtained 516 million 200 thousand dollars worth of 252 thousand tons of raisins. This season's export value increased by 14 percent compared to the previous season.

During the said period of time, the most grape exports made to England was 141.8 million dollars. It was followed by Germany with 58.6 million dollars and the Netherlands with 52 million dollars.

26 countries from the European Union accounted for 77 percent of the raisins exports. 399.8 million dollars of total sales were sold to 26 EU countries.

Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters Association Chairman Birol Celep pointed out that Turkey has achieved a historical export figure of dried grapes and passed half-billion dollars for the first time. "We have attained a very good increase in value this season, the success behind unity, togetherness and perception management and trade without panic lies behind" he said.

Recalling the declaration of Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli who said that price of raisins would not drop below 10 liras, Celep noted: "As a result the product preserves its value. Now purchases of TARİŞ (Union of Raisins Agricultural Sales Cooperatives) and TMO (Turkish Grain Board) will begin to settle this business more. We always say the export of grapes should not be less than 2 thousand dollars per tonne."

"Capturing of 500 million dollars in exports is an important milestone. 500 million dollars has become a barrier from now on that we would continuously surpass. Because this year we have 300 thousand tons yield. Last year we had less than this yield. This season we will probably be over 500 million dollars. We have the claim to go on" he concluded...