Turkish Cherries Debut in China, Exporters Look Forward to 2018

According to Guangzhou Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (CIQ) and local media, the first shipment of Turkish cherries arrived at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport last week. This is the first batch of cherries since the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) publicized the authorization of Turkish cherry imports in May 2016.

To ensure smooth entry of the 312 cases of cherries weighing 1.6 tons, Guangzhou CIQ checked all relevant credentials and carried out laboratory assessment of product samples to make certain national import standards for plant and foodstuff were met. From arrival to exit, the entire process took less than one hour. In total, there were 3 pallets with over 300 cases.

An industry insider told Produce Report that Turkish exporter Alara Agri Business shipped the cherries last week. Following arrival in Guangzhou on August 9, products from this shipment debuted at Jiangnan Market the following day.

Technical specifications for cold treatment are purportedly a point of inefficiency for the Turkish exporter. First, they have a limited number of cold treatment facilities—the refrigeration process at the production site prior to shipping could compromise the quality of cherries. Secondly, limited air transport resources between Turkey and China increases the cost of transportation.

A representative from Uludağ Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association (UYMSİB) explained Turkish cherry exports were negatively affected by adverse weather conditions this year. For the first half of 2017, Tukey’s cherry export volume was approximately 37.8 million tons, a 26% decrease year-on-year. Sales dipped, too, falling to USD 103 million—a 25% drop compared to the same period last year. The quality of the cherries was also compromised. For this, Turkish officials expressed regret and are looking forward to satisfying consumers next year.

Turkey is the third largest cherry exporter in the world. Turkish cherries are primarily exported to Germany, Russia, Holland, Austria, Norway and other European countries.