Hayrettin Uçak, a key figure in the Aegean Exporters' Associations, highlighted the industry's potential for further growth. He noted that currently, only 10% of Türkiye's annual fruit production is processed into juice, and ambitious targets have been set.

Uçak projects that fruit juice exports will surpass $500 million by the end of 2024. By 2028, the industry aims to achieve a remarkable milestone of $1 billion in foreign exchange earnings.

Apple juice remains the dominant player in Turkish fruit juice exports, accounting for $251 million in 2023. Other significant contributors include cherry, peach, and apricot juices at $130 million.

The United States is the top export destination for Turkish fruit juice, with purchases reaching $196 million in 2023. The Netherlands and Italy follow closely behind at $36.5 million and $22 million, respectively.

Uçak emphasized Türkiye's favorable conditions for investment in the fruit juice sector. The country boasts a diverse fruit production base, skilled workforce, and improving credit ratings. These factors, coupled with the industry's growth potential, make Türkiye an attractive investment destination.

The industry is off to a promising start in 2024, with fruit juice exports reaching $94 million in the first two months, a 27% increase compared to the same period in 2023. (ILKHA)