The Turkish fig season is looking positive, says Osman Goksan, marketing manager of Turkish fruit exporter Osman Akça Tarim: "The season began with good signs. April rains were very beneficial for the trees, giving a healthy start to fruit development. Overall, orchard progress has been steady, and initial quality assessments are positive, with good flavor, sweetness, and appearance expected. The main challenge this year has been early maturation, due to high temperatures, which may result in fewer large-sized figs being available. While the core quality remains strong, size composition could shift slightly towards smaller calibers. In lower altitudes, below 700 meters, some damage did occur, whereas in higher altitudes, the quality appears to be solid."
Goksan is confident that the volumes will be close to an average season, but final numbers will become clear over the coming weeks. "Production volumes are in line with an average year, with an estimated 3 to 5 per cent lower yield compared to last season. This is primarily due to weather-related size distribution changes rather than a significant drop in the total crop. Final yields will depend on weather conditions over the coming weeks, 15 to 20 days, particularly for mountain-grown figs. Our priority remains consistent quality through careful selection and post-harvest handling."
© Osman Akça Tarim
The weather did have an impact on the cultivation this year, with both positive and negative aspects, Goksan explains: "Weather patterns have been mixed this year. Early caprification began slightly ahead of schedule. The April rains provided an excellent foundation, but persistent heat in certain areas accelerated ripening. Figs are among nature's sensitive fruits probably of the most, and even small changes in temperature, humidity, and wind direction can influence quality. Our field teams have been closely monitoring orchards to ensure optimal harvest timing, preserving both taste and quality."
Osman Akça has a wide range of export markets, Goksan says, with the USA being a growing market recently. "Our primary markets include the USA, Germany, and Japan, with the European Union as a whole remaining a traditional and important destination. The USA market, in particular, has been growing steadily, driven by the rising popularity of healthy snacking. Beyond these, we see potential in emerging markets such as the Asia-Pacific, where consumer awareness of Turkish figs is increasing. In the Turkish market, the USA's growth is especially noteworthy, with more retailers placing this exceptional fruit on their shelves."
© Osman Akça Tarim
There's still potential to reach more new clients, especially with variations in packaging and processing, Goksan says: "Innovation in packaging and product formats, such as portion packs, diced figs for cereals, and fig-based healthy snacks, will help us reach new consumers, while adding value to our core offering. Our award-winning "fig balls" have attracted significant attention from both Chinese and European retailers."
It's a year of celebration for the Turkish exporter, Goksan states. "As Osman Akça, we are proud to celebrate our 70th anniversary this year. For three generations, we have supplied dried fruits to customers all over the world. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do."
For more information:
Osman Goksan
Osman Akça Tarim
[email protected]
www.osmanakca.com.tr