Turkey makes first export of cherries to China

Turkey makes first export of cherries to China

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency
Turkey makes first export of cherries to China

Turkey has made an export of cherries to China for the first time, said İhsan Beşer, chairman of Anadolu Kiraz.

The export was made under the 2013 Food Security Agreement and the 2015 Plant Health Protocol, that were signed between Turkey and China, Beşer told Anadolu Agency.

In China's crowded cities, such as Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing, people consume a large quantity of cherries, he said.

“China imports cherries mostly from Chile, the U.S., Canada and Australia," Beşernoted.

In Chile, the cherry season ends in April, but in Turkey it starts in May. “Chile is not a rival for Turkey,” he underlined.

Within the scope of the first cherry exports, the company sent 4 tons of cherries to four customers in China, Beşer stressed.

"They will be sold in big markets and online stores. We expect more order next year," he said.

Turkey exported cherries worth nearly $160 million last year, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.

Turkish economy,