Dried Apricot from Turkey: The Global Supply Leader

The Turkish dried apricot industry is centred in the eastern Anatolian province of Malatya, though smaller production zones exist in Elazığ and Sivas. Annual production fluctuates with crop conditions but typically ranges between 150,000 and 200,000 metric tons of fresh apricots, yielding 50,000 to 70,000 metric tons of dried product. Turkey exports to virtually every major market including the European Union, United States, Russia, Middle East, and East Asia. The sector employs tens of thousands of people and is a cornerstone of the regional economy.

Turkish dried apricot exporters operate under the oversight of the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which enforces phytosanitary standards, maximum residue limits, and aflatoxin controls aligned with EU legislation. Leading exporters like IFS Food additionally hold GFSI-recognised certifications such as BRCGS and IFS Food, providing an extra layer of assurance for international buyers. Turkey's well-developed port infrastructure — particularly the Mediterranean ports of Mersin and Iskenderun — facilitates efficient shipment to global destinations.

Turkey's dominance stems from the Malatya region's ideal climate and soil conditions, centuries of cultivation heritage, and a well-established processing and export infrastructure. No other origin offers the same combination of volume, quality, and supply consistency.

The primary export ports are Mersin and Iskenderun on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Both ports offer regular container services to major destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. Istanbul's Ambarlı port is also used for shipments to Black Sea and Northern European destinations.

Yes. Turkey has a growing organic dried apricot sector, with production certified under EU Organic Regulation and USDA NOP. IFS Food is among the Turkish exporters holding dual organic certification, enabling supply to both European and American organic markets.

Turkey exports sulphured dried apricots (bright orange, most popular in European and American retail), natural unsulphured dried apricots (dark amber, preferred by health-food channels), organic certified dried apricots (EU & USDA compliant), and ready-to-eat soft dried apricots (tender, snackable texture). All types are available in multiple size grades from jumbo (No. 1) to industrial (No. 5+).

Turkish dried apricot exporters operate under the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which enforces strict phytosanitary standards, maximum residue limits, and aflatoxin controls aligned with EU legislation. Leading exporters like IFS Food additionally hold GFSI-recognised certifications such as BRCGS AA+ and ISO 22000, providing multi-layered quality assurance for international buyers.