Turkish citrus growers and exporters are forecasting a strong start to the season, with volumes some 20 per cent higher than they were last year.

Lemons kicked off the season three weeks ago, followed by Star Ruby grapefruit, before a wider range of citrus fruit comes on stream, including satsumas in the first week of November and oranges at the end of the month.

Ayla Kanatli from Turkish exporter Aksun told FPJ that production had not been affected by any adverse weather conditions and that the firm would be targeting all the main markets.

Beste Yildiz, export manager at Mersin-based firm Eren Tarim, told FPJ: “The quality has been very good across the main products, especially lemons, which we have increased in volume by 30 per cent this year.

“This season, we will not be supplying the UK, but we hope to start next year.”

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