Fresh Fig Price Discrepancy Between Roadside Stalls and Supermarkets
· Milliyet Ekonomi
Fresh figs, retailing at an average of 100 Turkish Lira per kilogram in supermarkets, are being sold for up to 300 Turkish Lira at roadside stands, sparking outrage among producers and consumers.
Roadside vs. Supermarket Price Chasm
Amidst the ongoing fresh fig harvest, a significant price difference between supermarket shelves and roadside stalls is igniting controversy. Fresh figs, which are sold for 80-120 Turkish Lira per kilogram on average in supermarkets, are being offered at prices ranging from 250 to 300 Turkish Lira by roadside vendors along holiday routes. While some points of sale display labels around 150 Turkish Lira, these high prices for products allegedly picked directly from the orchard are drawing strong reactions from consumers.
Farmers who cultivate the fruit have voiced their discontent and issued the following warning:
'While we sell the best produce at low prices, they are misrepresenting producer regions by selling lower-quality products at high prices on the roadside. Do not make purchases from these places, considering hygiene and unfair pricing.'
Turkey's Harvest and Global Leadership
Turkey firmly holds its position as the global leader in fig production, commanding a 28% share of the world market. The estimated fresh fig harvest for the country is projected to reach approximately 388,000 tons by 2026. Last season, adverse climate conditions led to reduced yields, causing fig prices to remain high throughout the season. This year, however, with a recovery in harvest volumes, market prices have seen a slight decrease, settling in the 80-120 Turkish Lira range.