Turkey Becomes World's Second Largest Exporter of Dried Tomatoes, Earning Over $100 Million

WISE NEWS PRESS / IZMIR, TURKEY — Nov. 12, 2025

The sun-dried red tomatoes cultivated in the fertile lands of Anatolia have been exported to 98 countries. Turkey exported $108 million worth of dried tomatoes in the first 10 months of 2025, becoming the world's second-largest exporter after Italy.

The Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association, whose members executed 94% of Turkey's dried tomato exports, secured $101 million of the total export revenue.

Turkey is the World's Second Largest Exporter

Hayrettin Uçak, Deputy Coordinator Chairman of the Aegean Exporters' Associations and Head of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association, confirmed Turkey's global ranking. Uçak noted that while the volume decreased by 11% to 34,419 tonnes, the 12% increase in the dollar-based export price allowed export revenue to maintain the 2024 level.

Call to Lift EU Quota

Uçak pointed out that there is an 8,900-tonne quota on Turkish dried tomato exports to the European Union (EU).

"Our exporters fill this quota every year in January. We demand that the quota on dried tomato exports to the EU be lifted, or at least raised to a level that reflects Turkey's potential. If the quota were lifted or increased, our dried tomato exports have the potential to reach $200 million," Uçak stated.

President Uçak emphasized that dried tomatoes are a powerhouse of flavor and health. "We exported dried tomatoes, obtained from 15 million tonnes of fresh tomatoes grown in Anatolian lands, to 98 countries, from the US and Italy to Canada, Germany, Brazil, and Japan. We aim to reach $125 million by the end of 2025, and our goal for 2026 is to increase our dried tomato exports beyond $150 million," he added.

US, Italy, UK, and Germany Lead Demand

Uçak shared that Turkey's average export price for dried tomatoes increased from $2.8 to **$3.16**. The countries leading the demand were:

• United States: Maintained its top position with a 24% increase in exports, reaching $26.2 million.

• Italy: Exports increased by 20%, reaching $19.5 million.

• The UK and Germany: Shared third place with a demand of $8.7 million each for Turkish dried tomatoes.

Dried Tomato: A Health Powerhouse

Dried tomatoes are rich in minerals, protecting heart health and bone tissue, cleansing the liver, and strengthening immunity. A source of Vitamins A, K, and C, dried tomatoes are also rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants, protect eye health, and can help prevent anemia caused by iron deficiency.

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