One dollar out of every four dollars of exports comes from greenhouses
Ümit Mirza Çavuşoğlu, the Chairman of the Western Mediterranean Exporters Association (BAIB), stated that tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers (gherkins) accounted for 68% of the $82.9 million worth of fresh fruit and vegetable exports from the Western Mediterranean region.
He further mentioned that one dollar out of every four dollars of exports from the Western Mediterranean, which includes Antalya, Isparta, and Burdur, came from three products grown in greenhouses. In January, the region exported $27.7 million worth of tomatoes, $21.5 million worth of peppers, and $6.8 million worth of cucumbers and gherkins. These three products, being the top three most exported vegetables, generated $56.2 million in revenue. This amounted to a quarter of the $217.9 million exports from the provinces of Antalya, Burdur, and Isparta.
Çavuşoğlu also mentioned that in January, 68% of the $82.9 million worth of fresh fruit and vegetable exports from the Western Mediterranean region were attributed to tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers (gherkins). He stated, "As it is known, greenhouse production, especially of tomatoes and peppers, is the expertise of our region. This expertise is reflected in our exports as well. In January, we exported tomatoes to 37 countries and peppers to 39 countries. These figures are expected to increase in the coming months."
Furthermore, Çavuşoğlu highlighted the main markets for their exports, stating, "Our largest market for tomatoes, which is our most exported product, is Ukraine. Compared to January of last year, our tomato exports to Ukraine have increased by 20% and reached $4.5 million. The country to which we exported the most peppers is Germany, with a 21% increase and $4.5 million in exports. As it is only January, our export figures are still relatively low. However, compared to January of last year, the increase rates are quite good. This gives hope for the future to representatives of the sector."
