Turkish olives now gracing tables in 116 countries
People collecting olives from olive trees in Türkiye. (Photo by Raziye İçtepe via UNDP)
Türkiye has experienced a significant rise in its table olive exports, reaching $175 million in the first 10 months of the 2023-24 export season.
This marks a 15% increase from the previous season, highlighting Türkiye’s growing presence in the global olive market.
Export growth, targets
According to a statement from the Aegean Exporters’ Associations (EIB), Türkiye increased its table olive exports from $152 million to $175 million during this period.
Davut Er, Vice Chairman of the Aegean Olive and Olive Oil Exporters’ Association, noted that the season will conclude in two months, to surpass $200 million in exports.
Er emphasized that Türkiye not only meets the demands of its 85 million citizens but also exports 65,325 tons of olives to 116 countries. Looking ahead, the aim is to reach 100,000 tons of exports in the 2024-25 season.
Breakdown of export figures
Kadri Gundes, another Vice Chairman of the Aegean Olive and Olive Oil Exporters’ Association, provided further insights into the export data.
He stated that black olive exports accounted for $136.7 million, while green olive exports brought in $39.1 million in foreign exchange revenue during the same 10-month period.
Germany emerged as the top market for Turkish olives, with demand reaching $43.1 million.
