Aegean Region Claims 62% Share in Turkish Dried Fruit Exports: $2 Billion Target for 2026

Turkey's dried fruit exports maintained their strong global position in the first half of 2026, reaching $752 million, with the Ege Kuru Meyve ve Mamulleri İhracatçıları Birliği (EKMIB) capturing 62% ($465 million) of the total export volume. As a global leader in pitted dried grapes, apricots, and figs, Turkey reinforced its reputation as a reliable supplier through quality, food safety, and sustainability, not just production capacity.

Aegean Region's Dominance

■EKMIB exported $465 million worth of dried fruits to 94 countries, accounting for the majority of Turkey's $752 million total exports.

■The UK retained the top spot with $81 million, followed by Germany ($55.2 million) and the US ($54.8 million).

■The top five markets absorbed 56% of EKMIB's total exports, highlighting concentrated demand.

Global Market Expansion Strategy

■The TURQUALITY Project is driving expansion into emerging markets like India, complementing traditional EU and US markets.

■Sustainability and organic product initiatives are enhancing Turkey's competitive edge in value-added exports.

Export Targets and Outlook

■Turkey aims for $2 billion in dried fruit and product exports by 2026, with the Aegean region targeting $1.2 billion.

■Increased harvests of pitted dried grapes, apricots, and figs in the second half are expected to boost export recovery.

Resilient Growth Trajectory

■The sector's reliance on consumer demand provides insulation from external economic shocks.

■Investments in sustainability and organic production could reduce costs and improve differentiation.

Rüzgar Ersoy Note: The sector's 62% external share underscores Turkey's shift toward value-added agriculture, offering banks opportunities for sustainable lending. Integration of fintech solutions like blockchain for supply chain transparency could enhance trust in organic and sustainable products, particularly in high-demand markets like India. EKMIB's growth trajectory highlights the need for tailored financial instruments in agri-export sectors.