Apple and Apple Juice Exports Reach USD 321 Million

Turkey, which ranks third globally with annual apple production of approximately 5 million tonnes, increased exports of apples and apple juice to USD 321 million in the January-August period, a 27% increase.

Apple harvest time arrives as autumn brings the biggest companion crop to citrus products. While Turkey harvests its 5 million tonne apple crop, it continues to successfully pursue marketing efforts for exports.

Hayrettin Uçak, Vice Chair and Coordinator of the Aegean Exporters Associations and Chair of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, who reported that they have entered a good season in terms of harvest and quality, said, "In the January-August period of 2024, Turkey's nationwide apple juice exports increased 33% to USD 181 million, while Turkey's nationwide fresh apple exports advanced 21% to USD 140 million. Total exports of apples and apple juice in the January-August period increased 27% to USD 321 million. India ranked first among countries where we export the most apples, with USD 53 million. Iraq was second with USD 38 million in apple exports, while we exported USD 18 million in apples to Russia."

Chair Uçak stated, "The number of countries to which we export apples reached 70. In apple juice exports, the United States led with USD 96 million in demand, while the Netherlands was the second-largest importer of apple juice from Turkey with USD 16 million. Italy claimed third place with USD 7 million in demand. Our export targets are USD 500 million by the end of 2024 and USD 550 million in 2025 for apples and apple juice." 

How much apple does Turkey produce?

Estimated global apple production for 2023 is 78 million tonnes. The largest apple producers are China, the USA, Turkey, Poland, India and Iran. According to Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) records, Turkey has 60 million apple trees planted. Turkey, which ranks third in global apple production, produces 4.8 million tonnes of apples annually. Isparta leads by a clear margin in apple production with 1.2 million tonnes annually.