Valuable dried fruits of Turkey exhibited at Milan Expo

The worldwide leaders of production and export, Turkish origin of sultanas, dried figs, dried apricot, and pistachios were promoted in Expo Milan 2015. The booth of promotional committee for dried fruits was one of the most visited in the event of 14 September Turkey’s Day.
“Europe has been the most important market for fruits grown in Turkey,” says Birol Celep, chairman of the Association of Exporters of Aegean Dried Fruits and Products. He informed about the recent activity of promotional committee for dried fruits in Expo Milan 2014 held on the Turkey’s day on 14^th September. He said, “Consumption of healthier foods is on the rise worldwide. A valuable source of energy and vitamins dried fruits grown in Turkey attracts great interest from export markets. This year we have harvest forecast and export potential for 170 thousand tons of sultana, 70 tons of dry fig, 80 thousand tons of dry apricot, 30 thousand tons of pistachio.
“About 1.5 billion dollars worth of dried fruits is exported from Turkey. The exports of products mentioned above account for about 1.1 billion dollars in totals. More than 65 percent of it goes to EU countries. It was a great opportunity to introduce our products in Expo Milan 2015 to European consumers including the Italians where the Expo is held. With the contribution of bountiful harvest that is expected this year, we target to increase the exports by 10 percent in 2016. Our target for 2023 is 3 billion dollars of exports.”
Turkey’s Day event in Expo Milan 2015 was visited by Nihat Zeybekci, Economy minister, Mehdi Eker, ex-minister of food, agriculture and livestock, Mehmet Buyukeksi, chairman of association of Turkish Exporters, who also took part in the official parade and Turkey-Italy business forum organized at the event.
Birol Celep, chairman of the association of exporters of Aegean dried fruits and products, Nergis Buyukkinaci, deputy general secretary of the association, M. Kadri Gunes, chairman of the promotional committee for olive and olive oil.