Weather conditions for the Turkish apples have been so good, that one exporter now has 4,000 tons of apples that are of a very dark color. Some of the apples are even a shiny black, these apples have peaked the interest of the clients of one Turkish exporter. The Gala variety is just about finished, other red varieties are to follow.
According to Mushin Riza, export director for Turkish fruit and vegetable exporter Ideal Tarim, the harvest for Turkish apples will come to an end shortly: “For the past month we’ve been harvesting apples and we’re still in the process of the harvest, although it should end soon. Both the Gala and Granny Smith varieties were exported in large volumes last month, of which the harvest of Gala is about to be completely finished, we’re just storing small quantities to be available for the entire season. Clients have expressed their satisfaction with the quality of our apples this year. I do think the total volumes will be lower this year, but we can be certain once all the harvesting is done.”
Demand for apples has increased, and despite some markets still being slow, Riza expects demand to also pick up in these markets after November. “Turkey is exporting huge volumes of apples now and this year the market has more demand than it did last year. We’re about to finish our Galas and soon will start our other red varieties. We have information that South African apples are still underway to the Far East, the delay has to do with logistic problems. In one month from now we expect demand will increase from the Far Eastern markets as well. India has also slowly started to buy apples as well, they’re ordering Gala apples from us at the moment, but after November the other red varieties will become popular in these markets.”
Beneficial weather conditions have resulted in a portion of the apples to gain an almost black color of skin. Riza states the very dark colored apples have caught the eyes of the clients: “Some of the orchards that have red varieties more than 1300m above sea-level have been lucky this year. Because of the rains, which occurred just at right time, the day and night temperature changes were very good for the coloring of the apples. It caused the red apples get darker and darker. In some areas, the apples now have a completely black color. These apples are crunchy, the starch level is good for storing, but the color is simply very dark. People are interested in the product and clients have started to ask for these specific apples more and more. Their skin is a shiny black, so it’s easy to say that this season was the best for pigmentation in red varieties here in Turkey and we already have 4,000 tons of these dark apples. I hope it will make a difference in the market, and so far, it’s looking like they are already doing so. It’s all thanks to the growers, who have taken great care for the apples.” He concludes.
For more information:
Muhsin Riza
Ideal Tarim Urunleri Tic. As
Tel: +90 (530) 552 83 06
Email: ragdag@idealtarim.com.tr
www.verita.com.tr