Sultanas: sudden change in weather prompts concerns

May 26, 2020 at 8:30 AM , Der AUDITOR
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MANISA. While heat records were broken in Turkey last week, the country is now confronted with snow in higher altitudes in the Black Sea Region and in the east. Producers are becoming increasingly concerned.

Official estimates to be issued in four weeks

Sultana and raisin production will start in around 14 weeks. So far the drastic change in the weather has had no notable impact on the grapes. Market players reckon that farmgate prices will remain firm at TRY 10.50-11.00 per kg until the start of the new season. Offers for the new crop are not expected to be made before the end of June, when the official production estimates should be available. Some offers for RTU type 9 sultanas are, however, circulating in the market with prices ranging at USD 1.74 per kg. Market players currently reckon that production will range on a similar level as last year, approximately. 300,000 metric tonnes. Producers are hoping for higher prices in the new season, although it remains uncertain in how far this is feasible. HIgh availability and declining exports, coupled  with lower prices in other growing countries, are adding pressure to prices in Turkey. In addition, the exchange rate plays an important role.

Sultanas, Turkey

Type

USD/kg

RTU grade, Type 8, medium

1.68

Grade A, Type 9, STD

1.70-1.75

Grade A, Type 10, STD

1.85-1.95

Organic, Grade A, Type 9

2.60-2.65

FOB Izmir

Holidays and curfew

The end of Ramadan and a four-day curfew limited trading in Turkey last week. The weekly export volume has dropped by more than a quarter to 2,855 metric tonnes on the same week last year. Turkey has shipped 193,730 metric tonnes overseas since the start of the season - nearly 10,000 metric tonnes less than last year at this time. Meanwhile, export prices are at the level of the previous week. Meanwhile, the travel restrictions in force for 15 provinces have been extended by a further fifteen days. Next week, the government either intends to issue new measures to contain Covid-19 or to ease restrictions.

Seedless dried raisin exports, Turkey

Season

mt

avg USD

avg EUR

2019/20

193,730

2,070

1,896

2018/19

203,376

1,998

1,830

Since the start 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

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price chart sultanas type 10 Turkey
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price chart sultanas type 9 Turkey

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