In the Aegean region which is the leader region of Turkey when it comes to exporting dried tomatoes, the tomatoes are laid out in the sun for drying process after being harvested.
Tomatoes planted in the Aegean plains in April are harvested in July.
Tomatoes collected by seasonal workers are loaded onto trucks and tractors and taken to land where white covers are laid. Here, tomatoes are cut into two parts and salted or sulfurized according to demand.
The dried tomatoes are being exported to Europe, after their packaging.
Dried tomatoes, which are preferred mostly in pasta, pizza and salads, are also included in breakfast tables in Europe and USA.
According to the data from Aegean Exporters’ Associations, Turkey has received 88 million $ income from its dried tomato export to 85 countries in 2018.
Dried tomatoes are exported most to United Kingdom with a value of 19 million 500 thousand $, followed by Italy with 13 million 344 thousand $ and Germany with 9 million 472 thousand $.
The goal is to reach an export value of 100 million $.
Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Union President Hayrettin Uçak said that last year, tomatoes were not obtained with enough efficiency due to disease last year.
Stating that there isn’t a serious problem with tomato harvest this year, Uçak said “Last year there was a shortage of tomato paste and dried tomatoes due to illness. We estimate that our export value of dried tomatoes will reach 100 million dollars this year due to the absence of disease. We also expect a good season for tomato paste.”
Voicing that 95 percent of dried tomato exports are being made from Aegean region, Uçak also stated that exports to the Far East market could be increased especially through promotion activities.
“This product is indispensable for the district economy ”
Torbalı, where an important part of the dried tomato production is made, is experiencing activity due to the harvest season.
Stating that the district farms are all painted in red, the Torbalı Chamber of Commerce President Abdulvahap Olgun said “With the export of dried tomatoes we export both our product and our solar energy. After drying, this product, which is processed and sent to the world from facilities in our district, has an indispensable importance for the district economy.”
Stating that the local demand is also being increased in the recent years, Olgun said “It also has contribution to the employment besides production. Collection from the farm, being laid out here, packaging and being exported; a lot of people gain their earnings from the process that begin on the farms and end at the table.”
Hatice Başak, who works for tomato drying process has told that although it’s hard to work under the July sun, her family gain their living from the dried tomatoes.
Stating that this year the tomatoes are very fruitful, Başak said “We buy tomatoes from farms for 50-75 Turkish pennies. Approximately 1 kg dried tomatoes come out of 13 kg fresh tomatoes. We sell a kg of dried tomatoes for 15 Turkish Liras.”
