Turkish citrus fruit to expand sales in UAE

The Turkish Citrus Promotion Group (CPG) said sales of Turkish citrus fruit to the UAE from January to the end of October 2016 has increased in volume by 44% compared to the same period in 2015, according to a press statement.

This equates to more than 18.2 million kilograms of citrus fruit, and an export value of over US$10.6 (AED38.9) million, resulting in an increased sales value of 49% when compared to 2015 figures.

The announcement was made by the Turkish Citrus Promotion Group chairman Ali Kavak, at a gala event held at the Armani Hotel Dubai on 14 November 2016.

Turkish Citrus Promotion Group chairman Ali Kavak said: “The major competitive advantage of Turkish citrus has been its superior quality. Our main purpose is to carry out promotional activities in order to increase citrus consumption and improve consumer habits by introducing the nutritional and organoleptic superiorities of Turkish citrus.”

The Middle East remains Turkey’s largest market with over 363.2 million kilograms of produce having been exported this year. Iraq is Turkey’s largest citrus fruit export market, followed by the Russian Federation and Ukraine in 2nd and 3rd spots. Saudi Arabia ranks 4th, and UAE ranks 9th.