Locust beans market Turkey

Earlier Report Observations

The Turkish locust bean market saw substantial growth in volume and value from 2018 to 2022, driven by a rising consumer shift toward natural and health-promoting foods. Products like locust bean syrup and extract gained popularity due to their perceived antioxidant and nutritional benefits, stimulating domestic consumption. This demand was met by initial investments in modern processing facilities and farmer training programs, which helped scale up production capacity. Additionally, the market benefited from growing export potential, particularly to European destinations.

By 2023, market volume stabilized at around 24 500 t after a period of rapid expansion, while the market value adjusted downward. This phase was characterized by significant product diversification, with new forms such as powder, flour, and capsules entering the market, expanding the use of locust beans into the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The adoption of more efficient and sustainable farming techniques, alongside enduring consumer preference for organic and additive-free products, provided a stable foundation for the sector.

In 2024, the market maintained its steady course, supported by the full operation of advanced processing plants in regions like Antalya, which enhanced product variety and export readiness. Updated packaging and labeling standards were implemented in line with national regulations, and continuous education programs for producers helped sustain production efficiency. Consumer awareness of the health benefits of locust bean products remained strong, underpinning stable demand.

Production locust beans Turkey

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Turkey was one of the world's top producers of locust beans from 2017 to 2020, ranking second globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of locust beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of locust beans, 2017-2020

Turkey's locust bean production grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 18 806 tonnes. This represented a significant 15.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 25.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of production Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports locust beans to Turkey

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Turkey exported 904 tonnes of locust beans, an 18.8% decrease from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 37.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.6%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 33.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 16.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and South Korea were the primary buyers of Turkish locust beans, accounting for 77.5% of total exports by volume. Saudi Arabia led with 38.3%, followed by Israel at 21.3%, and South Korea at 17.8%.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Turkey's locust bean exports in 2020 totaled 1 061 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 18.0% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.2%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 916 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 1 295 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 41.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Turkey in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Israel were the main destinations for Turkey's locust bean exports by value, together representing 64.0% of total flows. Saudi Arabia accounted for 37.0%, South Korea for 13.6%, and Israel for 13.5%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports to Turkey in value, 2017-2020

Imports locust beans in Turkey

Imports in kind, t

Turkey's locust bean imports showed volatility from 2017 to 2020. The lowest point was in 2018 at 1 596 tonnes, with a 54.8% decline that year. Imports then rose to 3 549 tonnes in 2020, a 73.3% increase from 2019 and the peak during the period, resulting in a 2.2-fold fluctuation between the low in 2018 and high in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports in Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017-2020, Cyprus, Portugal, and Algeria were the key sources for Turkey's locust bean imports by volume, together making up 90.0% of total flows. Cyprus contributed 39.6%, Portugal 33.8%, and Algeria 16.6%.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports in Turkey in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Turkey's locust bean imports increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 1 298 thousand US dollars, a steep 63.3% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 13.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 692 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 39.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports in Turkey in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Cyprus, Portugal, and Lebanon—collectively accounted for 85.2% of Turkey's total locust bean imports by value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports in Turkey in value, 2017-2020