Dried figs: high losses due to humidity
Mundus - Agri: In the Turkish growing regions, the fig harvest continues to progress. The fig farmers in Aydin are struggling with the highest moisture levels in recent years. While the growers have almost completed the work in the valleys, the mountain fig harvest is still in full swing.
Dashed expectations
Turkish dried fig production was recently estimated at around 95,000-100,000 mt. However, the high rainfall rate combined with the high humidity of the past weeks caused many figs to burst open on the trees. Producers as well as the Chamber of Agriculture informed that constant Imbat winds caused the humidity in the mountainous region of Aydin to rise to 70%. Market players describe too high a humidity rate as the "biggest enemy" of dried fig production. About one third of the fruit is said to be still rotting on the trees, so traders estimate the quantity of dried figs available for export at only 60,000 mt.
At the beginning of this week, the first export prices for dried figs from the new crop were now also determined. Comparing the price development with that of the last two years, it is in line with the trend in 2021 and 2020. Still, market players fear that the lower availability this season could ensure that prices remain largely stable or even increase, unlike in recent years.
