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Summer is a season when the weather in the northern hemisphere gets warmer and agricultural activities intensify, especially in the mid-rail countries. The optimum temperature in the summer months provides a suitable environment for the growth of many fruits. The leaves and flowers bloom in the spring, and the trees begin to bear fruit in the summer. Since fruits of all colors are grown in the summer season, you can consume any fruit you want according to your preferences. Due to its geographical location, Turkey has lands that are extremely suitable for fruit growing. So, what are the fruits you can import from Turkey in the summer?

What are the Main Characteristics of Summer Fruits?

The most basic features of the fruits grown in the summer months are that they are juicy and have a cooling effect. During the summer, the human body loses a lot of water, salt, and minerals through perspiration. Thanks to the juicy summer fruits, people prevent possible health problems by getting hydrated. Summer fruits also come to the fore with their fibrous structure, edema-relieving, and skin-renewing properties. Therefore, consuming summer fruits seasonably, when they attract you with their smells and tastes, is very beneficial for your health and your budget.

Where Does Turkey Stand on Fruit Export Data?

Despite the ongoing global impact of covid-19, Turkey has managed to increase its fruit exports in recent years. Turkey, which exports 2 billion 729 million dollars of fresh fruits and vegetables in 2020, recorded an increase of 13% in 2021. In 2021, fruit exports increased by 16% compared to the previous year and reached the level of 1 billion 252 million dollars. In the January-April period of 2022, fresh fruit and vegetable exports amounted to 972.7 million dollars. It is expected that the number of fruits to be exported will increase with the summer months. In turn, the export figures are expected to exceed the previous year.

Summer Fruits You Can Import from Turkey

Although the fruits grown in summer are generally red fruits, green, orange, and yellow fruits are also grown. Summer fruits that blossom on the ground and trees are generally fragrant and soft. Fruits such as watermelon and melons grow on the ground, while green plums, cherries, apricots, figs, pears, and grapes grow on trees.

Watermelon

The first fruit associated with the summer season is watermelon. Watermelon, mostly water, weighs about 5-20 kg. Watermelon has lots of seeds in the inner part and green and hard outer shell. Turkey is one of the most important watermelon producers in the world and exports watermelons, especially to Russia and European countries. Watermelon is a good source of antioxidants as well as vitamins A and C.

Melon

Just like watermelon, melon is a fruit that grows on the ground and has stones. With a thinner and smaller rind than watermelon, melon attracts attention with its delicious taste and smell. In addition to fighting cancer, melon is also an ideal fruit for those who have sleep problems. Turkey is one of the world's top melon-producing countries. Most melons are grown in the Adana, Konya, and Antalya provinces of Turkey.

Green plum

One of the most preferred summer fruits is the green plum. The green plum, loved by many with its juicy and sour structure, attracts attention with its fibrous structure. Plum, which accelerates metabolism, also fights bad breath. In many provinces of Turkey, green plums can be grown easily. Turkey is one of the world's top plum-producing countries, with an annual production of more than 200 thousand tons. Most exports are made to European countries, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.

Cherry

Cherry is a summer fruit that attracts attention with its sweet and juicy structure. It has a granular structure, is carefully collected from the tree branch, and delivered to the consumers. Cherries are very beneficial for health thanks to the antioxidants, iron, and vitamins A and C they contain. It is frequently used in diet programs with its edema-scavenging effect. Turkey, where many different cherry species are grown, is the leading country in world cherry production. Cherry production in Turkey is generally concentrated in the Aegean region.

Apricot

Turkey is the world's largest producer of fresh and dried apricots. Malatya and Iğdır are the two provinces with the highest apricot production in Turkey. Apricot is in the group of yellow fruits and stands out with its fibrous structure and the beta carotene it contains. Those who have anemia and digestive problems can easily consume apricots. Apricots, which can be consumed in fresh, dry, and pureed forms, are also used to flavor other foods in desserts.

Fig

Fresh and dried forms of figs are produced in Turkey, just like apricots. Figs have many health benefits. In addition to the vitamins that it contains, it has a blood pressure balancing effect. Fig, which strengthens bone and muscle tissue, is a fruit mentioned in many holy books. Figs are grown in Turkey, especially in the Aegean region, where Aydın is the leading province in fig production. Turkey also realizes more than half of the fig production in the world.

Pear

The pear has an oval shape and is a yellow fruit. Pear, which is rich in vitamins C and K, is a serious source of potassium. Due to its high fiber content, it gives a feeling of satiety for a long time. Turkey is one of the most important pear producers in the world, and its annual production is more than 500 thousand tons. Bursa is the province where the most pears are grown in Turkey.

Grape

The grape has a clustered and granular structure and stands out with its purple and green varieties. In addition to being consumed as fresh, it is frequently used as raisins, in the production of vinegar and wine, and the pastry and bakery sectors. Grape, which stands out with its antioxidant effect, contains vitamin C and potassium. Turkey is one of the most important grape producers in the world.  Most grapes are grown in the Aegean region and Central Anatolia region in Turkey.

Best Fruits from Turkey to the World

As Turkish Goods, we find the best summer fruits of Turkey for you. We provide inspections and controls on your behalf until you receive the product in all processes. If you want to procure products from the best fruit producers in the world, you can contact us.

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Hazelnuts are grown in Europe and the United States and are encased in a smooth, firm brown shell. They are most usually marketed shelled. The cream-colored, sweet-tasting kernel is small and spherical, with a pointy tip. Because its thin, dark brown skin is slightly bitter, some people prefer to remove it before eating.

Hazelnuts are delicious in raw form, but they take on a more mellow, sweeter flavor when roasted. They are high in fat content, like all the other nuts. Thus, they will go rancid soon if not refrigerated.

The Corylus tree produces hazelnut. It is primarily grown in Turkey, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Hazelnuts, like other nuts, are packed in nutrients such as protein, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Hazelnuts are high in nutritional value. Despite the fact that they are high in calories, they are high in nutrients and healthy fats. Being this popular, hazelnuts are one of the most traded and in-demand nuts in the world. The importers from around the world are looking for top-quality hazelnuts. Here are the world's top exporters of hazelnuts.

Hazelnut Trade in the World

The global hazelnut output varies according to the meteorological conditions from year to year. Global production has increased the same as Turkey's production. While Turkey's average in-shell production is 350-400.000 tonnes, this figure has recently risen to 500.000 tonnes. Italy and Spain are two other important producing countries. They produce between 100-125 thousand and 15-25 thousand tonnes, respectively. To meet domestic demand, the United States consumes the majority of its own hazelnut crop and imports hazelnut kernel. However, by increasing output in recent years, it has become a significant hazelnut exporting country with 25 thousand tonnes.

Turkey

The country is a northern hemisphere bridge between Asia and Europe, with coasts on three sides. Turkey is the world's top hazelnut producer and exporter. The hazelnut is one of the world's most important nut crops, with its beginnings in Anatolia's center. Anatolia contains wild species that have given the source for today's produced types. It is possible to reach the best hazelnuts just in 48 hours with Turkish Goods! Contact Turkish Goods for quality products. 

Hazelnuts grow in both the eastern and western regions of Turkey around the Black Sea, in sites where other crops cannot be grown. The crop's ability to prevent soil erosion is an additional benefit for hazelnut growing areas with high rainfall. Approximately two to three million producers rely on hazelnut production for a living. That's why the hazelnut exports of Turkey are strategically important. According to TUIK data, the hazelnut planting area was 555 thousand hectares in 2001. It significantly increased by 32% in 2020. It reached an area of ​​approximately 734 thousand hectares.

Considering the average data for the last 5 years, Turkey's hazelnut production is 610 thousand tons on average. That number covers 62% of productions in the whole world. In 2020, Turkey’s hazelnut exports were $1.12B. That covers 60% of the hazelnut exports in the world. Hazelnut export numbers of Turkey are consistent and Turkey has been the most important exporter for a long time.

Production per decare in Turkey is lower than in producer countries such as the USA and Georgia. The average hazelnut yield of Turkey for 5 years is 84 kg per decare while the USA's yield is 221 kg per decare. 

Italy

Italy produces 110.000 tons of hazelnuts. The Italian hazelnut producing area is projected to stay steady in the foreseeable future. Italy's production will be mostly determined by weather conditions and the trees' alternate bearing. The hazelnut industry is centered in four regions. Campania accounts for nearly half of total production. Piemonte, Latium, and Sicily account for the remainder. 

In 2020, Italy exported $221M worth of hazelnuts. It makes Italy the second-best exporter in the world. Furthermore, Italy is one of the fastest-growing countries in exports of hazelnuts. Between 2019 and 2020, Italy's hazelnut exports surged by 11.3%

Chile

Chile is a rising star in Hazelnut exports. The country is the top producer of hazelnuts in the southern hemisphere, with the majority of the production shipped to Europe and the United States. In 2020, Chile's hazelnut exports surged to 18,225 tonnes from 12,061 tonnes in 2019. Furthermore, between 2017 and 2019, Chile's hazelnut exports grew by 45.4%, earning the nation $87.34M. The production of hazelnut in Chile was 70,000 tonnes in 2019. Chile's 2020 hazelnut export numbers rose even more. Chile exported $143M worth of hazelnuts in that year. Furthermore, exports of hazelnuts grew by 62.5% between 2019 and 2020. It will likely continue to rise. 

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is one of the world's largest hazelnut-producing countries due to its good climate conditions for hazelnut production. Considering its close proximity to Turkey, it is quite normal.

Hazelnuts are among the most profitable agricultural products in the country. There are several types of hazelnuts, such as Atababa, Ashrafli, Ghalib, Ganja, and Khachmaz in Azerbaijan. Hazelnuts are especially popular in Azerbaijan's northwestern areas. Azerbaijan was the world's fourth-largest shelled hazelnut exporter in 2015-2016, after Turkey, Georgia, and Italy. It still holds its spot among the top exporters. Azerbaijan is currently ranked the fourth-best hazelnut exporter in the world. In 2020, Azerbaijan exported $115M worth of hazelnuts. That's 6.14% of the whole world. Yet, Azerbaijan's export numbers are decreasing lately. Between 2019 and 2020, Azerbaijan's hazelnut exports decreased by 10.8%.

Georgia

Even if Georgia is in the top 5, Georgia doesn't seem likely to stay on top. Data looks good for Georgia, yet, in just three months of the new hazelnut season, Georgia had 19 rejections at EU borders. Even though the quality of Georgia's hazelnuts seems relatively bad, Georgian hazelnut export volume was the largest in the last five years. Moreover, in 2020, Georgia exported $83M worth of hazelnuts. It's 6.64% of the world's hazelnut exports. That is a huge number. On the other hand, the exports will likely decrease if the problems aren't fixed.

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The food sector offers several chances for education, innovation, networking, and discovery. This is thanks to the trade exhibitions and other events that happen throughout the year.

For ages, trade exhibitions have been an important sales and marketing strategy. They provide a professional setting for businesses to promote their products, share knowledge, and discuss industry trends.

Here are the major upcoming food expositions and events in Turkey that you shouldn’t miss in 2022.

CNR Food Istanbul

CNR Food Istanbul is a worldwide business-to-business meeting point. At the Expo, visitors may learn about the newest advances and obtain a broad outlook on industrial variety. The fair is a one-of-a-kind commercial platform that will help the industry strengthen its position in global competition by guiding it to generate more value-added, innovative, trustworthy, and certified consumer goods.

CNR Food Istanbul plans to be arranged on 60,000 sqm of space with over 1,000 brands, attracting 35,000 professional visitors. And it is backed by the Istanbul Exporters' Association. Professionals from the food and beverage sectors around the world will come together in one place.

Drawing a lot of attention from exhibitors and visitors in 2021, CNR Food Istanbul will continue to attract visitors between August 31 and September 3, 2022.

CNR Food Istanbul in 2021

CNR Food Istanbul 2021 welcomed over 2,000 brands from over 20 countries. The Netherlands, Iraq, Iran, Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Afghanistan, France, Ukraine, and Russia were all represented by food and beverage companies. Many more countries participated in the Expo, including Lithuania, Somalia, Jordan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Poland.

Stars of the Expo were the Chocolate and Confectionery Special Section, and the Special Drinks and Gourmet Special Section.

A new milestone has been reached in the promotion of Turkey's food and beverage sector, with the Special Drinks and Gourmet Special Department. It was established in 2021 with the official approval of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

According to the official statement, around 2,500 buyers from various countries visited the Expo. And it was held at the CNR Expo Istanbul Expo Center. These nations included Poland, Greece, Iraq, the Netherlands, India, Kenya, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Czechia, Albania, Macedonia, and Hungary.

Mersin Gıda

The largest food platform in the Mediterranean, Mersin Gıda, assembles the whole food sector in Mersin. And over the years it has become an important center of food production and exportation for Turkey.

Hundreds of product varieties, ranging from citrus fruits to frozen food, seafood, olive oil, tahini, pulses, and ready meals, are presented at Mersin Gıda. In fact, it quickly became the industry and region's most significant gathering place. Tens of thousands of goods from more than 100 local and foreign firms were presented for the first time at the expo. The event was hosted across a 15 thousand square meter space. With B2B contacts, the expo helped the sector to identify new markets and become more visible in foreign markets.

Mersin Gıda assembled the whole food industry in Mersin, and it has become an important hub for food production in Turkey as well as exportation. Industry professionals from the Middle East, South Africa, and the Balkans attended the Expo. And they were accompanied by the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, Eastern Europe, and Arabian countries.

The fair will be held for the 9th time between 23-26 November 2022.

Ekoloji Izmir Fair

Ekoloji Izmir Fair, Turkey's first certified organic product fair, will be held for the 11th time on May 26-29, 2022. It will be organized by IZFAŞ in collaboration with associations for ecological agriculture (ETO). From organic clothing to baby products, cosmetics to food and cleaning products, a diverse range of innovative products will be on display at Ekoloji Izmir Fair.

In its 11th year, the fair offers a wonderful chance for industry players by bringing together national and international visitors for critical business interactions. Ekoloji Izmir will be held concurrently with OLIVTECH Fair. And it will continue to be fascinating for industry experts as well as consumers with parallel events in "fuarizmir" in May.

One of the main aims of the Ekoloji Izmir Fair is to increase Turkey's position in the global ecological market. Additionally, it aims to add to Turkey’s exponential growth which rose 500% in the past decade. Purchasing committees from the United States, Germany, France, Lebanon, Macedonia, Poland, Slovenia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine interact with producers and exporters in this context.

At the fair, farmers who grow organic products also have the opportunity to present their products to consumers.

WorldFood Istanbul

WorldFood Istanbul is Turkey's largest food and beverage show. It has been a reliable market entry point. It reflects industry trends and begins international collaboration. And the Expo also aims to introduce the most recent food and beverage items to the Turkish market. It is also one of the most important Asian culinary shows in the world, with worldwide participation.

Here, firms from all around the world present the newest trends, products, and technology in food production and marketing. The WorldFood is an industry communication and information platform. It provides participants with the chance to promote themselves to a large audience.

WorldFood Istanbul also works in conjunction with the concurrent exhibition Ipack. Ipack Turkey is a food processing, storage, packaging materials, and equipment fair. A wide range of packaging, packaging machines, food processing machinery & main parts, auxiliary equipment & systems are exhibited worldwide. This strategic alliance gives the participants the possibility to collaborate on a larger scale.

WorldFood Istanbul, the worldwide meeting place for the Turkish food sector, is set to offer many new items to the food world. With the expected participation of over 1,000 businesses at the TUYAP Fair, Convention, and Congress Center, it will run from September 1st to 4th, 2022.

Of course, mentioned events are just a drop in the ocean of food exhibitions. But these are certainly the most prestigious ones you shouldn't miss. So, if you find yourself in Turkey, we strongly advise you to visit these fairs in 2022.

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Do you know that the most researched product groups in the world belong to the cosmetics industry? When the cosmetics industry is mentioned, colorful products and glittery packaging come to mind. The Egyptians have been the first to discover the concept of the cosmetics industry. People have started to produce products to look different and more attractive on special days and festivals.

With the ever-advancing technology, both the product and its packaging have begun to be produced in more vibrant colors. Although cosmetics is a field that is used to look more beautiful today, it also includes health. The cosmetic sector has expanded with various products produced for self-care. So what is Turkey's share in the cosmetics industry? Nowadays, when the concept of natural products gains importance, many countries import cosmetic products from Turkey.

Turkey's success in natural products has also brought innovations in the cosmetics industry. Especially after 2010, the tendency towards herbal ingredients in cosmetics has increased. Increasing its production diversity in this field, Turkey has come a long way in the export of cosmetic products.

What are the Most Popular Cosmetics Categories?

Although cosmetics have first been thought of only as the definition of change, it is now expressed as the beautification of health. As this is the main idea of the cosmetics industry, categorizations have also increased. What are the most researched and increasingly diverse cosmetics categories in the world? What are the most imported cosmetic products from Turkey within the framework of these categories? You can find answers to all your questions in this article.

1. Haircare

Haircare can be defined as an action that fulfills one's self-confidence. There have been days when you felt better when you had beautiful hair. It is also important that your scalp is healthy while your hair looks beautiful. For this reason, products that do not contain harmful chemical elements are preferred for hair. You've probably heard the shampoo definitions such as anti-dandruff, moisturizing, or effective against hair loss. Natural haircare products that provide all these benefits and more are among the most preferred cosmetic products. 

Shampoo

Shampoos produced from plant extracts such as chamomile, yarrow, and mint are preferred because they are herbal. In addition, the presence of different regionally known herbs in shampoos in Turkey is an important factor in the import of this product group.

Hair conditioner

Another important group among hair care products is conditioners. The fact that each hair has a different structure means that their needs are also different. For this reason, one of the most sought-after and demanded hair care product groups is hair conditioners.

Hair Mousse and Oils

Hair mousse and hair care oils, which have become increasingly common in recent years, are on the list of best-selling products. Almond and olive oil are very beneficial products for hair. Since the production of these products is high in Turkey, they are among the most imported products from Turkey.

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2. Skincare

Conditions such as air pollution, stress, and aging have increased the attention given to skincare. In addition to these situations, products with more functionality such as depilatories and products that prevent the smell of sweat are also included in this cosmetic group. In skincare products, especially the production and import of additive-free products have increased. Thanks to its natural product portfolio, Turkey has experienced an increase in skincare product demands.

Sunscreen

Sunscreens play an important role in body care, especially in summer. However, the oxybenzone component, which is usually used in sunscreen, causes allergic reactions. For this reason, anti-allergic sunscreens are produced in many countries. Turkey is among the countries that produce anti-allergic sunscreens that even children can safely use. Many countries that prioritize skincare also import sunscreen from Turkey.

Deodorant and Aftershave

Do you know that the largest export share in the cosmetics sector in 2021 belongs to the deodorants and aftershave group? In addition to the increasing importance given to cleanliness, the search for new fragrances has also come to the fore. An increasing number of cosmetic companies in Turkey have started to try new fragrances and new formulas. In this way, aftershave lotion and deodorant supply-demand from Turkey increased.

Soap

Although soap was first included in the cleaning products category, it later became involved in the cosmetics industry. Especially rose, laurel, and olive oil soaps are highly preferred in skincare. These products are produced in Turkey as registered products. Producers who advocate naturalness in soap production have developed natural formulas that renew the skin texture. Tourists who visited Turkey showed interest in natural soaps and took them to their countries. In this way, import demands increased as Turkey's natural soaps became known around the world.

3. Color/Make-up Cosmetic Products

Color cosmetics or make-up products are the most widely used cosmetic products. Products diversified with special pigments are especially preferred by women and make-up artists. In 2021, make-up products have a share of 24% of cosmetics exports in Turkey. New brands of makeup products appear every year. In this way, Turkey’s color cosmetics portfolio is also expanding continuously. Especially vegan eye and lip make-up products in its diverse portfolio are among the most imported products from Turkey.

4. Perfume

Fragrances can be characterized as an area that eliminates the gender factor. Because although the cosmetics industry is perceived as a feminine field, perfume is a product that men and women spend on at the same rate. The perfume industry, which has the most diverse market in the world, should not be ignored. Perfumes containing essential oils, essences, and many components are important both for personal use and as a home fragrance. With its history based on old Turkish fragrance laboratories, Turkey is also an important place in perfume manufacturing. Companies import perfumes from Turkey, especially for customers who prefer exotic notes.

5. Baby Cosmetic Products

The baby cosmetics category is a more specific area. Anti-allergic products suitable for babies' sensitive skin are always important. Although many R&D studies have been carried out on this subject, fragrance has also come into play. Baby cosmetics include shampoo, shower gel, and lotions. It is aimed to protect the health of babies with natural flower and plant extracts. We can say that Turkey has great importance in the import of these products.

As a result, Turkey is an important base in the production and supply of products in the cosmetics industry. In this list, we have compiled the best products that you need to import from Turkey. You can benefit from the Turkish Goods experience in the import processes of these products.

When choosing cosmetic products as a way of beautification of health, you can browse the Turkish Goods’ website in order not to deal with problematic transportation processes.

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It flavors dishes and salads. It is an indispensable ingredient of cosmetic products. Yes, we are talking about olive oil. Olive oil is used by consumers all over the world today. In addition to the taste, its health benefits make olive oil very preferable. But it is useful to point out one thing in advance. The taste and texture of every olive oil are not the same. The country of origin and production stages make olive oils different from each other. Weather, harvesting and processing, and even packaging shape the olive oil. These factors determine the taste, smell and color.

Today, countries take pride in olive oil production since it is a very valuable product. Do you know which countries produce olive oil the most? In this article, we will talk about olive oil production in the world. Also, you will find interesting information about olive oil. Let's dive into the details together.

A Short History of Olive Oil

Before presenting the countries that produce the most olive oil, let’s take a look at the history of olive oil. In ancient times, wild olives were used for olive oil production. These wild olives emerged in Asia Minor about 6,000 years ago. This region now covers the majority of today's Turkey. So, it is no surprise that Turkey produces delicious and high-quality olive oils. Ancient people used olive oil for religious rituals, medicines, oil lamps, soap making, and skincare. This ancient ingredient still stands out in every aspect of our lives today.

Global Olive Oil Production

As we took a look at the brief history of olive oil, global production is next. The International Olive Council (IOC) shared the olive oil production data for the last year. The world’s olive oil production was 3,010,000 tonnes in the 2020/21 crop year. The IOC announced that 93% of total olive oil production comes from 16 member states and the European Union. This corresponds to 2,809,500 tonnes. Turkey is also among the IOC members.

Total production in the world in 2019/2020 was 3,266,500 tonnes. Therefore, there was an 8% drop in global olive oil production. The harsh weather conditions around the world played a role in reducing overall production.

Europe had experienced an unusual spring frost. Moreover, droughts, hailstorms, and forest fires occurred in the Mediterranean basin. As a result, this situation affected some of the producing countries. But the figures published by the IOC show that there will be an improvement. The IOC predicts a three percent increase in production in 2021/22. Therefore, the IOC expects the production to reach 3,098,500 tonnes.

Top Olive Oil Producing Countries

Spain

Spain is the country at the top of the list in olive oil production. The olive oil industry is one of the most established industries in Spain. It also makes a huge contribution to the country's economy. There are approximately 340 million olive trees in the country. Spain uses 90% of its cultivated land and olive production for olive oil. 23% of olive oils are in the organic class. As a result, Spain also produces sustainable products.

The country, which has a great value in the market, turns the climatic conditions into an advantage in production. Especially, the Andalusia region makes a great contribution to olive oil production. Also, Castilla-La Mancha is a region that has a large share in production. Farmers in this region cultivate particularly the Cornicabra Olive variety.

Spain produced 1.3 million tonnes of olive oil in the 2021/22 season. However, there was a 6.4% decrease compared to the previous year.

Turkey

Turkey has made its olive oil world-renowned with the care it has given for years. Farmers and successful producers are working diligently on fertile lands to create the best Turkish olive oil. There has been a tremendous increase in olive production in Turkey. Olive orchard facilities and certified olive sapling supports are the most important driving forces in this increase. Thanks to these factors, the number of olive production areas is rising. Moreover, Turkey achieves a unique quality by incorporating the latest technology into production.

According to TURKSTAT data, Turkey’s olive production showed a great increase in 2021 compared to the previous year. There was a 32.1% jump in production. This development naturally had a positive effect on olive oil production. Turkey's olive oil production increased by 35 percent in the 2021/22 season. In total, it reached 236 thousand tonnes. Olive oil is one of Turkey's most important export products. It is also at the top of the list of domestic oil stocks. Especially, the cities on the Aegean coast make a great contribution to production.

Turkey exported 37,000 tonnes of olive oil in 2021. The countries to which Turkey exports the most were the USA and Spain. Wouldn't you like to import from Turkey too? If so, Turkish Goods is here for you. You can easily find the best quality and delicious olive oils produced in Turkey. Experience Turkish Goods quality for a perfect import process and high-end products.

Italy

Italy is the second-largest olive oil-producing country in the European Union after Spain. Of course, as in Spain, the climatic condition of the country is very effective in high production. Together, these two countries meet 50% of the world's olive oil production. Most of the olive oil in Italy comes from the southern part of the country. Especially Sicily, Sardinia, and Basilicata regions achieve great success in olive oil production every year. Italy produced 315 thousand tonnes of olive oil in the 2021/22 season.

Moreover, Italy stands out due to using a different method in olive oil production. Manufacturers mix extracts of different types of olive oil. Their aim in doing this is to obtain high-quality oil. As a result, these techniques prove quite useful for the production of palatable oil. 

Greece

Greece is the next stop of our olive oil tour in the Mediterranean basin. Olive oil is of high importance to this country. Olive trees grow on 60 percent of the cultivated land in Greece. There are numerous olive trees, especially in the Peloponnese region. There are 2800 olive mills across Greece. As a result, a country with such a high level of olives stands out in olive oil production.

In the 2021/22 season, Greece produced 235 thousand tonnes of olive oil. It exported more than half of that. This figure indicates stability compared to other European countries. As a result, Greece has become the fourth largest exporter in the European Union.

Tunisia

Tunisia has come to the fore in olive oil production, especially in recent years. Producers in Tunisia use the coastal plains to grow olives. Particularly the Sahel region is a favorite location for olive cultivation. Moreover, the country has been more involved in technology in recent years. Therefore, as in the case of Turkey, it achieves success with the help of technology. Tunisia produced 240 thousand tonnes of olive oil in the 2021/22 season. This means an increase of 71.4%.

We have listed the top olive oil-producing nations of the world above. Now you know where the delicious olive oil comes from. Turkish Goods expertly delivers this flavor to the world. We are always with you for your import needs.

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Cocoa is the secret to the mouth-watering chocolates we all love eating. Most of us would love to travel to a place like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory and dive into a world full of sweets. The secret to Willy Wonka’s unique chocolates was a very special cocoa bean he found. Similarly, different cocoa beans from different parts of the world produce different results. Cocoa beans are processed into different products such as chocolate, cocoa powder and cocoa butter.

The cocoa tree is native to the Amazon’s rainforests. It is also grown in parts of Africa and Asia. What makes cocoa beans so special is related to their cultivation. Cocoa trees are cultivated in small areas. This is because cocoa trees are prone to various diseases and the disease spreads quickly. Producers can lose between 30 to 100% of their production due to diseases. Therefore, cocoa production is a difficult process and it affects the prices of cocoa products. Let’s take a look at the top cocoa-producing countries in the world and what makes them so special.

Top Cocoa Producing Countries

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire is by far the largest cocoa bean producer in the world. In the 2019/2020 period, Côte d'Ivoire produced 2,1 million tons of cocoa beans. Also known as Ivory Coast, this country in West Africa makes up at least 30% of the world's cocoa production. The country’s economy is highly dependent on cocoa production and exports. Therefore, the price of cocoa beans is quite an important factor for Ivory Coast. 

Ghana

Ghana is the second-largest cocoa producer in the world. However, even as the second country, Ghana’s production in the 2019/2020 period is well behind Côte d'Ivoire with 771.000 tons. Similar to other countries that produce cocoa beans, Ghana’s economy is also dependent on cocoa. 30% of the revenue generated from their exports comes from cocoa. 

Ecuador

Ecuador is a popular cocoa producer. You may be familiar with it if you came across it on a chocolate bar. Despite the fact that Ecuador's cocoa beans are one of the favorites of artisans, cocoa production is not that high. Compared to other countries, Ecuador comes third with 342.000 tons of cocoa production in the 2019/2020 period. 

Cameroon

Cameroon follows Ecuador closely in cocoa production and ranks fourth. In the 2019/2020 period, Cameroon produced 280.000 tons of cocoa. 

Nigeria

Located near Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria is another big producer of cocoa beans in the world. Nigeria’s production of cocoa is close to Cameron in the 2019/2020 period with 250.000 tons. However, as the cocoa trees in Nigeria are getting old, new methods of cultivation become important. Hence, technological developments and diversification of cocoa products are crucial for Nigeria’s future as a cocoa-producing country.

Indonesia

Differing from others, Indonesia is an Asian country that produces cocoa beans. In the 2019/2020 period, Indonesia produced 200.000 tons of cocoa. Again, unlike other countries on the list, cocoa production is a fairly new industry for Indonesia. Cocoa production started around the 1980s and peaked in 2009 in the country. Since then, however, the production of cocoa beans has been declining.

Brazil

Brazil is one of the countries that produce cocoa in South America. Even though it is not at the top of this list, it is the largest cocoa producer in South America. In the 2019/2020 period, Brazil produced 201.000 tons of cocoa beans.

Venezuela

Venezuela once was the world’s leader cocoa producer. However, in 2020, Venezuela produced 20.000 tons of cocoa beans. Even though the production of cocoa beans decreased over the years, Venezuela’s cocoa is considered to be the best cocoa in the world. According to the International Cocoa Organization, Venezuelan cocoa exceeds global excellence standards. What makes Venezuelan cocoa so special is its varied genetics along with the cultivation location and climate. Therefore, chocolate made of Venezuelan cocoa beans is far more delicious. 

How are Cocoa Beans Processed?

Once the cocoa beans are harvested, they are not used immediately. In order to bring about the cocoa beans’ natural flavor, fermentation takes place. This process turns the taste of cocoa beans into what we associate with chocolate. The fermentation process takes about 2-10 days depending on the type of cocoa bean. After the fermentation phase, the cocoa beans dry in the sun. This is when the cocoa beans’ color starts to change from reddish-brown to a darker brown. The process of drying usually takes 1-2 weeks.

After the quality inspection, cocoa beans are transferred to manufacturing facilities where they are sorted, cleaned, and roasted. Roasting is a crucial step that gives the cocoa bean a distinct chocolate flavor. After roasting, cocoa beans are separated from the shell, leaving a cocoa nib. This is the main ingredient in making chocolate. These nibs are then ground into a paste. This paste is also known as chocolate liquor. It is not alcoholic by any means. The name is purely given due to its liquid form.

At this point, the paste can directly be used in making chocolate or the cocoa butter can be separated. The paste is pressed until the cocoa butter is separated. After this process, it is separated into cocoa and cocoa powder. Furthermore, the grinding of the paste continues until it is smooth. Then, the paste and the cocoa butter are mixed in different quantities to make various types of chocolate. Lastly, tempering occurs to give the chocolate its unique texture.

Import Venezuelan Cocoa Beans from Turkish Goods

Finding high-quality cocoa beans is difficult. Finding Venezuelan cocoa beans is even more so. Turkish Goods exports over 1000 products to every corner of the globe. Working with a trusted network of suppliers in Turkey, Turkish Goods provides high-quality products in every category you can imagine. 

With a 600-person team speaking in 13 languages, Turkish Goods adopts a customer-oriented approach and focuses on creating the best experience, making the process seamless. If you want to import Venezuelan cocoa, contact Turkish Goods and get the best, globally unique wholesale price within 48 hours.