Türkiye’s dried-fruit exports reach $1.13 billion in first nine months of 2026

Raisins lead a $1.126 billion export sector

Türkiye’s dried-fruit and related-product exports generated $1.126 billion in the first nine months of 2026, supported by shipments of raisins, figs, apricots, pistachios and other products grown across the country. CNN Türk reported that seedless raisins were the sector’s largest export item during January-September, with shipments of 112,078 tonnes earning $336.416 million.

Dried figs ranked next among the products for which detailed volume and revenue data were reported. Exporters shipped 35,137 tonnes worth $210.585 million. Dried apricot exports reached 24,669 tonnes and generated $199.951 million. The three core products—seedless raisins, dried figs and dried apricots—together produced $746.952 million in export revenue, making them the main earnings base for the industry.

Pistachios and other products broaden the mix

Pistachio exports contributed a further $80.907 million. The wider export basket also included almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, roasted chickpeas and other dried fruits, although CNN Türk did not provide individual values or volumes for those categories. The mix gives Turkish suppliers exposure to several segments of the international snack, bakery, confectionery and food-processing markets.

The Aegean region, home to major grape and fig production centres, accounted for a substantial portion of the business. Dried-fruit and related-product exports conducted through the Aegean Exporters’ Associations totalled $689.823 million during the nine-month period. The figure underlines the region’s importance not only in cultivation but also in processing, commercial aggregation and access to overseas buyers.

Germany remains the largest destination

Germany was Türkiye’s biggest dried-fruit export market, purchasing products worth $146.980 million. The United Kingdom ranked second at $132.718 million, followed by the United States at $100.354 million. These results show the importance of established consumer markets in Europe and North America to the sector’s revenue, particularly for the three leading products.

Şemsettin Özgür, chairman of the Türkiye Dried Fruits and Products Exporters’ Associations Sector Board, said frost during the previous year had reduced apricot and grape production. He described the 2026 season as more productive for both crops. With the industry relying largely on domestic inputs, exporters aim to place the increased supply in world markets and raise foreign sales revenue.

Higher availability does not remove the need for careful pricing. Özgür said exporters must consider international competitive conditions and consumer preferences: prices that rise excessively can cause market losses, while prices set too low reduce income. This balance will be central for producers and traders seeking to convert the improved harvest into higher earnings without weakening Türkiye’s position in established destinations.

The sector is targeting full-year exports above the previous year’s level. Representatives are also due to attend the SIAL Paris international food exhibition in France from 17 to 21 October. Özgür expects contacts established at the exhibition to strengthen the presence of Turkish dried-fruit products in international markets, giving suppliers an opportunity to reach additional buyers as the more productive season increases available volumes.