A devastating frost in April 2025 has severely damaged Türkiye’s apricot crop, triggering price surges across global fresh, dried, and frozen apricot markets. According to EastFruit, temperatures plunged to -15°C across more than 36 provinces, affecting a wide range of crops. Malatya Province—home to 85% of Türkiye’s apricot production—was particularly hard hit, with nearly all 13 million trees damaged during the bloom period. Estimated output has dropped from 750,000 tonnes in 2024 to just 10,000 tonnes so far this year.
Türkiye exported $475 million in apricots in 2024, of which dried apricots made up $400 million. With key markets such as the USA, Germany, and the UK heavily reliant on Turkish supply, importers are now seeking alternatives from countries like Uzbekistan, Spain, and Italy.
While Türkiye is not the leading global exporter of fresh apricots, it plays a significant role in regional trade. Consumers in Russia, Iraq, and Germany—major importers of Turkish apricots—are expected to face supply shortages and higher prices. As of May 14, 2025, the Expana Benchmark Prices of dried Turkish apricots – whole size no 4, sulphured – continued to surpass all-time high levels, reaching $9,900/MT, up by almost 100% month-on-month. The frozen fruit segment is also under pressure, as Türkiye is a major supplier of frozen apricots used in food processing.
The crisis coincides with broader frost damage across Europe, including Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Ukraine, compounding the regional shortfall.
In response, Turkish processors are seeking supply contracts in Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where early harvests are reported to be strong. Stable prices in these countries so far offer some relief, but supply constraints and logistical challenges may limit the global market’s ability to offset the Turkish shortfall.
Image source: Adobe
Written by Ibi Idoniboye
