Vegetal production is the leading sector of Turkish agriculture, and vegetal perishables constitute the backbone of the sector. The value of fresh fruit and vegetables exports which constitute around 10,1% of total agricultural exports were approximately 3 billion USD 12,2% up compared to the previous year in 2020. Citrus fruits led the list among exportable fresh fruits with a significant value of 934 million USD in 2021. The Russian Federation, Iraq, Germany, Ukraine, Romania, and Ukraine have been major destinations for Turkish fresh fruits and vegetables. Tea export is also one of the important parts in food and agriculture sector. After tea production reached a level exceeding domestic demand, Turkish tea exports have reached significant levels thanks to the policies implemented. The main destinations of Turkish tea are the European Union countries, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Israel and Iraq. Among the EU countries, Belgium, Germany, France and Holland are the most important markets. Türkiye also has large-scale olive oil plants with modern bottling lines. Table olives are also produced in modern plants equipped with advanced technology, which enables them to comply with the standards of hygienic packaging. Being a net exporter of olive oil, Türkiye supplies the variety of olive oil to a wide range of countries including major producer countries that either consume or re-export Turkish olive oil. Turkish olive oil is demanded from every part of the world and there are more than hundred countries that have experienced the excellent taste and fragrance of Turkish olive oil such as the EU, the USA, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia and Israel. Türkiye is also a net exporter of confectionery products. The export value of sugar and chocolate confectionery reached at 2,8 billion US dollars in 2021, which constituted 1.26% of Türkiye’s total export revenue (US$ 224,7 billion), nearly the same proportion as the previous year. Exports of sugar and chocolate confectionery increased steadily through the years and reached at 1.178 tons, in 2021. This remarkably high increase in export quantity has undoubtedly been achieved thanks to the recent modernization and technological improvements realized in the sector. The Turkish confectionery producers and exporters are highly equipped to meet international standards and consumer preferences. Iraq was the leading importer country taking over 20,8% of total exports of sugar confectionery in 2021. It was followed by USA (8,1%) and Germany (3,9%).
