Turkish Apricots Market Update June 2022 Week 26

The 14 April frost caused the most harm to fruits that had already stopped blooming, with less influence on regions that were still blooming. Orchards below 850 meters elevation have been severely damaged, with most areas producing no fruit.

The fruit set is heavier the further up the slopes you go. There is minor damage on the slopes above the valleys. It has been observed that in regions below 1200 to 1300 altitude, agricultural frost occurred as a result of the low temperature experienced between April 13 and 14. Similarly, due to the hail that occurred between April 25 and 26, fruits set during the time also faced quality losses. Therefore, there were some yield losses.

So far, the quality has been inconsistent, with a more significant percentage of speckles and hail damage than last year. And with no carryover forecast, the current harvest is expected to be between 80,000 and 90,000 tons, resulting in a relatively comparable overall supply to the previous year.

Malatya has no carryover, and consumer markets are likewise reporting a supply shortage. The initial shipments will pique people's attention. Turkey's inflation rate is over 70%, and growers and dealers regard export commodities as safe-haven assets.

Since prices have risen steadily over the last 18 months, producers are unlikely to sell more than they require early in the season. Despite record prices, the whole 2018 harvest was exported. The total capacity shipped from the 2021 crop up to April is comparable to the 2020 crop, indicating no demand destruction.

In May, exports totalled 3,616 tons, down from 5,595 tons the previous year and 7,138 tons the month before. Exports totalled 74,762 tons this year, compared to 78,353 tons last year.