Antalya Leads Türkiye in Vegetable Exports

Western Mediterranean Exporters' Association President Ümit Mirza Çavuşoğlu: "Our region holds a significant 43% share in tomato exports. We are far ahead in pepper exports, accounting for 70% of Türkiye's total exports. In cucumbers and their varieties, our export rate exceeds 40%."

In 2024, Türkiye exported approximately $980 million worth of vegetables, with $441.3 million coming from Antalya alone.

According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly, Türkiye’s total vegetable exports last year amounted to $979.87 million, with Antalya, the leader in greenhouse farming, accounting for 45% of this figure. Thanks to year-round production in both greenhouses and open fields, the city ranked first in vegetable exports, generating $441.3 million in revenue.

Antalya was followed by Hatay with $164.08 million, Mersin with $106.12 million, and İzmir with $43.05 million in vegetable exports.

Tomatoes, Peppers, and Cucumbers Dominate Exports

Ümit Mirza Çavuşoğlu, President of the Western Mediterranean Exporters' Association, which covers Antalya, Isparta, and Burdur, highlighted the region's significant role in vegetable production and exports.

He emphasized that Antalya alone accounts for 45% of the country's total vegetable exports, stating, "After meeting domestic market demand, we export surplus products abroad."

Pointing out that tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are the leading export products, Çavuşoğlu said: "Our region holds a 43% share in tomato exports. We are far ahead in pepper exports, with our region contributing 70% of Türkiye’s total pepper exports. In cucumbers and their varieties, we have an export share of over 40%."

Regarding tomato exports, he noted that Ukraine was the top destination last year, with $41.66 million worth of tomatoes exported to the country.

Ukraine was followed by Bulgaria with $35.13 million and Romania with $30.6 million in tomato imports. Russia and Moldova also ranked among the top five export markets.

For peppers, Çavuşoğlu pointed out that Germany is the most significant market, stating: "Last year, we exported $58.46 million worth of peppers to Germany, marking a 14.4% increase compared to the previous year. Besides Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Romania are also key markets for us."

A Region with Year-Round Production and Export

Çavuşoğlu emphasized that exporters work in collaboration with producers to increase both production and exports.

He noted that some products, although not in high demand domestically, have a strong market share abroad, leading to targeted production efforts.

As an example, he mentioned spiny cucumbers, explaining that this product is more in demand in former Eastern Bloc countries and Russia than in Türkiye.

Highlighting the fertile lands of the Western Mediterranean, Çavuşoğlu said: "Antalya is the capital of greenhouse farming. However, production also continues in the open fields, known as 'highland' farming. Our region is highly suitable for this. Many widely consumed products are primarily grown here. Isparta and Burdur play a key role in summer production. Thanks to this, our region maintains uninterrupted production and exports throughout the year. Sustainability in exports is crucial. If you can continuously export a product without long interruptions, it gives you a significant advantage."

Source: Anadolu Agency