Turkish cherry exporter Alara anticipates an increase in cherry volumes of some 20 per cent this season, thanks to a boost in production at its own orchards.
“The volume from our grower base will be similar to that produced last year, but 2010 will be our first year with high volumes of our own production from the Alara orchards,” the company’s Kerim Taner told Fruitnet.com. “Our varieties are earlier and later than the main Turkish Ziraat `Napoleon` variety, which allows us to prolong the supply period.”
With regard to demand and price, Mr Taner expects a number of factors to have an influence, including perhaps the upcoming World Cup.
“The weakening pound against the Turkish lira will have an effect,” he said. “Pricing depends on many factors besides the size of the Turkish cherry crop. The demand of the market, other sources’ supply volumes and the supply period affect the whole equilibrium. The highest demand we have seen came in 2006 during the World Cup. Hopefully, we will feel the benefit of this summer’s World Cup in South Africa with a rise in demand. We expect the whole world to watch the games at home, snacking on cherries.”
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