Free of charge

Sultanas: hazards during the drying phase

July 21, 2020 at 9:00 AM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

MANISA. Contrary to previous expectations, the harvest will probably start on time after all. However, market players do not trust the weather, little sunshine and rain could cause problems, especially during the drying phase.

Official impulses are missing

Now that the weather has improved again, market players are confident that the grape harvest for sultana production can begin as usual by mid-August at the latest. However, the unsettled weather of recent months is fuelling concerns that problems could arise during the drying phase. A possible surplus of darker type 8 sultanas would probably be the least of the problems.

There is still no official statement. For the time being, the Aegean Exporters Association's forecast of 300,000 metric tonnes is considered a guideline, while farmers speak of only 250,000 metric tonnes. In addition, there is said to be a surplus of 30,000-50,000 metric tonnes from the current season. At the same time, it is still unclear when and at what prices the TMO will buy - or whether there will be intervention buying this year at all.

Old and new crop are converging

Market players have started to offer the same prices for both spot offers and new crop. Sultanas, type 9, are currently slightly cheaper than last week at USD 1.60-1.70 per kg FOB Izmir. Good spot demand for organic sultanas caused farmgate prices to rise from TRY 11.50-12.00 per kg to TRY 13.00 per kg, which is why buyers must expect higher prices for the time being even with offers from the new crop.

Sultanas, Turkey, 2019/2020 crop

Type

USD/kg

RTU grade, Type 8, medium

1.60

Grade A, Type 9, STD

1.60-1.70

Grade A, Type 10, STD

1.80-1.95

Organic, Grade A, Type 9

2.60-2.65

FOB Izmir

Weekly exports remain stable

Turkish dried fruit exporters have shipped 223,444 metric tonnes of sultanas and raisins overseas since the start of the season. The year-on-year export volume is significantly lower than last year, while weekly exports are surprisingly stable at around 3,700 metric tonnes.

Sultana exports, Turkey

Season

mt

avg USD

avg EUR

2019/20

223,444

2,062

1,803

2018/19

232,047

2,028

1,773

since the beginning of the season

View more information
price chart, sultanas, type 9, Turkey
price chart, sultanas, type 10, Turkey
price chart, organic sultanas, type 9, standard, Turkey
more price charts

Attached Files

File icon
price chart sultanas, grade A, type 10, standard
File icon
price chart sultanas, grade A, type 9, standard

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Nuts
Jul 16, 2025
MANILA. Unlike on the Philippine domestic market, export prices for desiccated coconuts remain stable thanks to strong demand. The situation is similar for coconut oil, and copra prices are even trending upwards.
Dried Fruit
Jul 15, 2025
DALIAN. Goji berries were supposed to be ready for shipment in July this year. However, supply remains low and prices have risen in recent weeks.
Dried Fruit
Jul 15, 2025
AYDIN. Following the pollination period, market players are satisfied with the development of figs for dried fruit production. At the same time, they are keeping a wary eye on the weather.
Dried Fruit
Jul 15, 2025
MANISA. Turkey will export the first table grape shipments from the 2025 crop starting in the middle of this week. Temperatures are once again reaching up to 40°C. Demand remains modest.