THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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Press release…
October, 2026…
Having increased their exports by 42 percent from 2.229 billion to 3.17 billion dollars during the January–September 2026 period, fresh fruit and vegetable exporters participated in the Fruit Attraction trade fair in Madrid, aiming to reach an export total of 5 billion dollars by the end of 2026.
Fruit Attraction, one of Europe’s most significant trade fairs for the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, was held from October 6–8, 2026, at the IFEMA Exhibition Centre in Madrid, organized through a partnership between IFEMA MADRID and the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruit, Vegetables, Flowers and Plants (FEPEX).
Cengiz Balık, Chair of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association, said that Fruit Attraction brings together the fresh produce, logistics, ancillary industries and innovation and technology sectors under one roof. He emphasized that, over the course of the three-day event, they showcased Türkiye’s potential in fresh fruit and vegetable products to importers arriving from all corners of the globe.
233 Percent Spike in Exports to Spain…
Stating that the country’s exports of fresh fruits and vegetables to Spain rose from 2.4 million dollars in the January–September period of 2025 to over 8 million dollars in the same period of 2026 with a 233 percent spike, Balık noted that cherries, pomegranates and tangerines were the most exported products. He added that they aim to exceed 10 million dollars in fresh fruit and vegetable exports to Spain in 2026, with a long-term goal of reaching 20 million dollars in the coming years.
Explaining that the fair was visited by over 121,000 professionals from more than 150 countries over the course of three days, he noted, “On the second day alone, the fair reached over 55,200 visitors, the highest single-day attendance ever recorded for any event held at IFEMA MADRID.”
“Approximately 2,500 companies from 78 countries were present across the 162,000-square-metre exhibition space. Spanish firms accounted for 51 percent of the participants, with all of Spain’s autonomous regions that produce fruits and vegetables represented at the fair. The event’s contribution to the Madrid economy reached 419 million Euros,” he added.
At the Fruit Attraction fair, the stand of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association was visited by the Republic of Türkiye’s Ambassador to Madrid, Nüket Küçükel Ezberci and the Chief Commercial Counselor in Madrid, Önder Şafak Tongal. During these visits, information was provided regarding the Association’s activities at the fair. Representing the Association at the event were: Chairman of the Board, Cengiz Balık and Board Members Sadık Demircan and Sercan Göçeren, along with EİB (Aegean Exporters’ Associations) Deputy Secretary General Serap Ünal, represented the organization.
Throughout the fair, the sector and Turkish fresh fruit and vegetable products were promoted at the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association stand and requests from importing companies were collected to be relayed to our members…
