What season did you have this year?
We had a very concentrated harvest season due to heavy winter conditions. This has had a major impact on the low prices this year. In the coming years, if the weather conditions are normal, our Southern regions will start harvesting earlier and finish earlier. Production will not overlap with our Northern regions. However, our limited domestic market does not have the capacity to consume the production amounts that will increase in the coming years. If we focus on the domestic market, prices will decrease. Of course, we have to work together to increase consumption in Turkey.
What level is Turkey in blueberry/blueberry production?
Blueberry/blueberry is a new product for our Turkey, it is our novice period in terms of harvesting, packaging and marketing as well as production. Over time, both our production volumes will increase and our producers, employees and exporters will become experts in their fields.
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Which markets should our blueberry/blueberry producers target?
Our producers should work export-oriented, our primary target should be export so that both our producers and our country can win. Turkey is in an incredibly lucky position thanks to the length of the harvest season and its logistical advantage. In addition to the European market, it has the capacity to export directly to the Middle East, Gulf Countries and Far East markets.
What is Turkey's potential in this sector?
If Turkey progresses by adding complementary products such as raspberry and blackberry to its portfolio in addition to blueberry, its potential is incredible. Especially our new generation manufacturers are aware of this potential and are very willing to invest. Our goal as a country is to export 100,000 tons and become one of the biggest producers in Europe, and Turkey has the capacity to easily achieve this.