Cautious steps in food exports from Turkey

As is the case at other industries the food industry also focused its effort to realize the macro targets of exports by 2023. Despite lowering delivery to neighboring countries, recent embargo between Russia and EU countries brought serious opportunities for Turkish food exporters.
Chairman of Istanbul union of grains legumes and oily products exporters Zekeriya Mete informed about food exports to Russia. He said that the food industry aims to grow 8 to 12 % annually by watching fluctuating currency ratios and emphasized on the need for planned efforts in finding new markets and producing quality production.
On Turkey’s food exports
Excluding olive and olive oil, all other categories of food exports experienced around ten percent growth in 2014. Vegetable exports increased 5 %, while animal product exports increased 15 %. Grains and legumes exports totaled to 6.7 billion dollars and ranked at 8^th among 27 other sectors. 2.65 billion dollars worth of sweets, 1.39 bn. dollars of flour based products and 2 bn. dollars of pasta, bulgur, legumes and vegetable oils are exported.
On targets for 2015
For the year 2023, 8 to w2 percent increase are expected in the food industry. It is a realistic target. A planned effort aiming to develop new markets and improvement of product qualities has been launched. Fluctuations in foreign currency rates and developments in developed countries such as Japan seem to be serious issues in 2015.
On his views about Russia Turkey relation in food trade
The embargo imposed on Russia by EU countries has turned into a serious opportunity for Turkish exporters. The trend may extend to other industries such as textile and automotive in the future. Russia imports 4.5 billion dollars worth of grains annually while our exports are limited to this country as 105 dollars. There are other competitors such as Poland and China who exports apple to Russia. Russian buyers have strict rules and tests for imports. Depreciation of Ruble cause a recession in exports from Turkey by 15 % in 2014. Rank of Russian market in Turkish exports was lowered to 7^th place in 2014 from its earlier level at fourth rank.
On other important markets for Turkish food exporters
Turkey has been circled by dynamic markets that have both risks and opportunities. Developments in Russian market are a good example for this. We can increase our shares in food exports to üthis country. Improving conditions in Middle Eastern countries offer new opportunities.