Turkey’s dried fig export season starts September 28 with 60,000-ton target

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

TURKEY — Turkey will begin export shipments of its 2026-crop dried figs on September 28, with the industry targeting more than 60,000 tons in the new season and continued growth in Far East markets.

Yusuf Gabay, chairman of the Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters’ Association, said the industry has been working intensively ahead of the new season to improve product quality and food safety.

Turkey exported 55,000 tons of 2025-crop dried figs between October 15, 2025 and September 8, 2026, generating $343 million in foreign exchange revenue. The industry expects total seasonal revenue to exceed $350 million.

First export shipments scheduled for September 28

The first shipment and export date for Turkey’s 2026 dried fig crop has been set for Monday, September 28, 2026.

The date will mark the start of the new crop’s journey to international markets as exporters and producers complete preparations for the coming season.

The sector is focusing particularly on maintaining product quality and ensuring that dried figs meet food-safety requirements before entering export channels.

Gabay said intensive preparations are underway for what the industry hopes will be a successful season for one of Turkey’s most prominent agricultural export products.

Food safety measures expanded in production areas

A significant part of the pre-season work has focused on helping growers improve quality controls during harvesting and drying.

According to Gabay, portable UV flashlights have been distributed through village heads in production areas under the coordination of the Aydın and İzmir Provincial Directorates of Agriculture and Forestry.

The equipment is intended to help producers identify and remove dried figs affected by aflatoxin risk from drying areas.

Drying racks and information brochures have also been distributed under the coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to support healthier harvesting and drying practices.

Gabay said the measures are aimed at increasing food safety and improving the quality of the crop before exports begin.

Exports generated $343 million in the 2025/26 season

Turkey exported 55,000 tons of dried figs from the 2025 crop between October 15, 2025 and September 8, 2026.

Those exports generated $343 million in revenue.

Gabay said the industry expects the final value for the season to exceed $350 million.

For the 2026/27 season, exporters are aiming to move beyond the 60,000-ton threshold.

The target reflects expectations that established markets will continue to support demand while newer and faster-growing destinations, particularly in the Far East, account for a larger share of sales.

Far East share rises to 16%

The European Union remained Turkey’s largest regional market for dried figs.

According to figures provided by Gabay, EU countries imported 17,775 tons of Turkish dried figs, representing a 32% share of total exports.

Exports to the Americas totaled approximately 16,000 tons.

The Far East recorded stronger growth. Shipments to countries in the region rose 29%, increasing from 7,000 tons to 8,795 tons.

As a result, the Far East’s share of Turkey’s dried fig exports increased from 13% to 16%.

Gabay said promotional activities in markets including India, China and Japan were beginning to produce results.

The industry’s longer-term goal is to raise the Far East’s share to 25% of Turkey’s total dried fig exports.

Dried fig exports to China surge 249%

The United States remained Turkey’s biggest individual dried fig export market by value, with shipments worth $58 million.

Germany ranked second at $44.5 million, followed closely by France at $44 million.

China recorded the sharpest increase among the leading markets.

Turkey’s dried fig exports to China rose from $5 million to $17.7 million, an increase of 249% according to the figures provided by the association.

The rise moved China into fourth place among Turkey’s largest dried fig export destinations.

Canada ranked fifth, with Turkish dried fig exports valued at $13.5 million.

China’s rapid growth was also one of the main factors behind the expanding share of Far East markets in Turkey’s overall dried fig trade.

Industry targets more than 60,000 tons in the new season

Turkey’s dried fig industry is entering the 2026/27 export season with two parallel goals: preserving demand in established markets and expanding sales in faster-growing destinations.

After exporting 55,000 tons during the current season, the sector aims to exceed 60,000 tons in the coming export period.

At the production level, work on quality controls, food safety and improved drying practices is continuing. On the export side, the industry is seeking to build on recent growth in Far East markets.

With the first shipments scheduled for September 28, the 2026-crop dried fig export season will formally get underway.

WiseNewsPress.com