The late varieties of Turkish mandarins are expected to start shortly. Overall there have been lower volumes, but larger sizes for these late varieties. The Turkish currency isn’t doing too well, but one exporter states this has little effect on the price of the mandarins themselves.
The mandarins are heading towards the late varieties, which should be starting in about three weeks’ time. According to Coskun Eren, marketing manager for Turkish fruit exporter Eren Tarim, there will be lower volumes, but larger sizes for these upcoming mandarins: “The season is going well this year. Late varieties are on the way. We aim to start around mid-December and speed up towards the beginning of January. The weather has been dry and rains have been scarce this year. The volumes will be less and sizes will be bigger compared to last year. Quality is looking to be good since those are expensive varieties and the producer tends to keep them safe from harm. Prices are expected to be similar to last year.”
Although Christmas is usually a period where demand for mandarins drops down a bit, Eren states this season demand is staying relatively normal. “Demand for mid-season mandarins has been very high as usual with the Christmas routine. We can't get enough Satsuma to ship as it stands. This will last for another two weeks then we will slow down until Russia and the EU come back to work after their holidays. After the Satsuma, the mid-late varieties such as Freemont and Nova will be starting. We aim to start these in 7-10 days' time. The demand in general, is bad when you look at the fresh produce industry as a whole. But mandarins seem to be having the least effect from that and the demand is staying normal. Which when compared to this year's normal values, is high.”
The pandemic has made exporters like Eren Tarim rethink their strategies for the season. Eren explains they’ve basically shortened the season as a result: “Our volumes are slightly lower, but that is not due to the lack of customers or demand. Last year was a bad year due to Covid-19 and all the problems that have been going on. This year we decided as a company to change some strategies and offer the product only when it’s at its best during the season, shortening the seasons overall. Thus, some volume is being forfeited for better product control and significantly fewer complaints. I would have to say complaints are below 1 per cent at this point, which is a very good number concerning our industry.”
Despite the Lira being in a bad spot compared to the Dollar and the Euro, prices for mandarins are about the same as they were last year, Eren states. “For mid varieties such as Satsuma, the volumes are ok and sizes are normal. For mid-late varieties such as Freemont and Nova, volumes are higher than last year, but the sizes will be smaller as a result. For the late varieties, the volumes are lower than last year, but the sizes are bigger. Volume and size are a trade-off, but we always prefer lower volume and bigger sizes, makes up for a better product overall. Quality-wise, all varieties will be OK, price wise we are expecting similar pricing compared to last year. I’m sure most people are expecting to see significantly cheaper prices compared to last year due to the LIRA/USD-EUR situation but this is really not the case, in fact mostly it is the opposite. Almost all of the agricultural and packaging expenses are import-based so the value of the EUR-USD against the Turkish Lira makes very little difference for the price of the product.”
“We are very excited about the late mandarins. As I have said we have had great success with them last year and we aim to increase our exports by a sizeable margin this year. You can expect the premium late mandarins to start around mid-December to mid-January and continue until March. Long and steady programs are encouraged as the demand can be fierce for these products!” Eren concludes.
For more information:
Coskun Eren
Eren Tarim
Tel: +90 533 695 5802
Email: [email protected]
www.erentarim.com