Turkish cherries are excellent but the export sector needs to work harder on traceability in order for its products to enjoy even more success on European markets.

This was the clear message from Ian Finlayson of consultancy Practical Solutions International at a conference earlier this month organised for exporters of Turkish cherries by modified atmosphere packaging specialist StePac.

Finlayson told delegates at the Antalya event what UK importers and retailers thought of their fruit. “Their perception of Turkish cherries is that they are excellent, they have good eating quality and that they extend the season starting earlier and finishing later,” said Finlayson. “Retailers also say that it is one of the best summer import crops.”

As well as traceability, Finlayson reported that UK customers would appreciate more uniformity of size, quality and age. He told delegates that the UK sector is looking for a uniformly larger fruit size in the region of 24mm. “They are also looking for a fresh appearance, old looking fruit won’t sell,” he warned. “It is essential fruit looks fresh and modified atmosphere packs improve appearance.”

Finlayson also told growers they needed effective and complete removal of field heat. “That is really important, and improved cooling can be achieved by using mobile hydro-coolers within three to four hours of harvest,” he said.

The event is the fourth such conference organised by StePac in Turkey. Delegates also heard from StePac’s Professor Tayfun Agar who gave a presentation on post-harvest procedures and Steve Southwick of the University of California at Davis who spoke on global production trends and practices.

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