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
Sep 2, 2026
MANILA. Prices are a bit deceptive for desiccated coconuts. Buyers will have to brace for El Niño driven disruptions in 2027.
Dried Fruit
Sep 1, 2026
AYDIN. Production estimates for dried figs are circulating in Turkey. A small volume is still available. Weekly exports have surged.
Dried Fruit
Sep 1, 2026
MALATYA. Farmers are waiting for the TMO to announce purchase prices for dried apricots. Prices are moving in rather strange directions.
Dried Fruit
Sep 1, 2026
MANISA. Harvesting is in full swing. Yet, the TMO has left farmers in a difficult position. This is also impacting the pricing for the new raisin crop. Silver lining is that the export gap is closing.