Turkey can bridge the gap as global
demand rises
23 May 2007 11:23 | Europe
Mike Knowles
On 6-8 June, FRESH, the annual congress for the European fresh produce sector organised by Eurofruit Magazine and Freshfel Europe, takes place in Istanbul. To coincide with FRESH2007, the June issue contains an in-depth preview (p26-33), plus a special feature on Turkey (p34-49). For the first time in FRESH’s five-year history, and in the 30-year history of the two events that formed FRESH, we are venturing outside the EU. Why? Turkey has the potential to become one of its most valued members, standing as it does across the border between Europe and Asia, at the political crossing point between east and west, and with a foot in both ideological camps that divide Europe from the Middle East.
If Turkey does join the EU in the next few years as expected (this is by no means certain), it can also be a huge asset to the Union’s fresh produce trade. A powerhouse of production and one of the continent’s leading exporters, the country has built a strong reputation in several of Europe’s major markets as a supplier of citrus, cherries, grapes, topfruit and vegetables, while in Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East (most notably Saudi Arabia), its export trade has grown significantly over the past decade. At the same time, opening up the Turkish market to a larger volume of imports will offer other EU suppliers a valuable opportunity to grow their business.
At present, Turkey’s fresh produce exports still only account for less than 10 per cent of its total production, so the big question in the next decade will be how it can increase this figure and continue to supply the same high quality. With markets for fresh fruit and vegetables still growing in eastern Europe, Russia, the CIS and the Middle East, Turkey will have a distinct geographical advantage over other European suppliers when it comes to meeting the increased demand.
However, should retailers and consumers in these markets become more exacting in terms of product quality, food safety, traceability and other issues like the environment and Fairtrade, Turkish exporters will need to ensure they can meet the required standards. Better packaging provision will be needed, as will the continued expansion of logistics support and ongoing investments in technology and certification. The industry will also depend on planned improvements to the country’s infrastructure facilitating a greater volume of external trade.
In short, many questions will be asked of Turkey; whether it has the answers remains to be seen. There will be much to talk about in Istanbul…
On 6-8 June, FRESH, the annual congress for the European fresh produce sector organised by Eurofruit Magazine and Freshfel Europe, takes place in Istanbul. To coincide with FRESH2007, the June issue contains an in-depth preview (p26-33), plus a special feature on Turkey (p34-49). For the first time in FRESH’s five-year history, and in the 30-year history of the two events that formed FRESH, we are venturing outside the EU. Why? Turkey has the potential to become one of its most valued members, standing as it does across the border between Europe and Asia, at the political crossing point between east and west, and with a foot in both ideological camps that divide Europe from the Middle East.
If Turkey does join the EU in the next few years as expected (this is by no means certain), it can also be a huge asset to the Union’s fresh produce trade. A powerhouse of production and one of the continent’s leading exporters, the country has built a strong reputation in several of Europe’s major markets as a supplier of citrus, cherries, grapes, topfruit and vegetables, while in Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East (most notably Saudi Arabia), its export trade has grown significantly over the past decade. At the same time, opening up the Turkish market to a larger volume of imports will offer other EU suppliers a valuable opportunity to grow their business.
At present, Turkey’s fresh produce exports still only account for less than 10 per cent of its total production, so the big question in the next decade will be how it can increase this figure and continue to supply the same high quality. With markets for fresh fruit and vegetables still growing in eastern Europe, Russia, the CIS and the Middle East, Turkey will have a distinct geographical advantage over other European suppliers when it comes to meeting the increased demand.
However, should retailers and consumers in these markets become more exacting in terms of product quality, food safety, traceability and other issues like the environment and Fairtrade, Turkish exporters will need to ensure they can meet the required standards. Better packaging provision will be needed, as will the continued expansion of logistics support and ongoing investments in technology and certification. The industry will also depend on planned improvements to the country’s infrastructure facilitating a greater volume of external trade.
In short, many questions will be asked of Turkey; whether it has the answers remains to be seen. There will be much to talk about in Istanbul…
|