Tropical Fruit Production Area in Alanya Doubles
· AA Tarım & Ekonomi
In Alanya, the tropical fruit production area has surged by 95% to over 37,000 decares in the last decade, with production now encompassing 40 varieties, ushering in an era of contract farming for global markets.
Tropical Fruit Growth in Alanya
In Alanya, one of Turkey's leading agricultural centers, the expertise gained in vegetable production is being transferred to tropical fruits, with nearly 40 varieties now being cultivated in the district. According to Farmer Registration System data, the number of tropical fruit producers, which was 859 in 2016, increased by 159% to 2,227 in 2026. Over the same 10-year period, the total production area also grew by 95%, rising from 19,282 decares to 37,605 decares. Ali Hüddoğlu, Chairman of the Alanya Tropical Fruit Producers Association, stated that cultivation, which began as a hobby about 30 years ago, has transformed into a commercial sector, with an increase in the use of saplings even in parks and gardens.
Production Data by Variety
According to official field studies, farmers in the district cultivate multiple tropical fruit varieties simultaneously. Shared statistics indicate that avocado is produced on 24,000 decares by 1,776 farmers, bananas on 12,000 decares by 454 farmers, mangoes on 403 decares by 36 farmers, passion fruit on 204 decares by 13 farmers, and dragon fruit on 75 decares by 9 farmers. Ali Hüddoğlu, Chairman of the Alanya Tropical Fruit Producers Association, emphasized that the production capacity is growing daily and external dependency is rapidly decreasing:
"Today, 20 out of nearly 40 tropical fruit varieties produced in Alanya have reached a scale that meets our country's needs."
Logistics and Contract Farming in Exports
As interest in Alanya-origin products grows in international markets, traders, particularly from Europe, Russia, and the Turkic republics, are increasing their purchase demands. Ali Hüddoğlu highlighted that harvested products can be delivered directly to the European market within 48 to 56 hours after being picked from the branch. He explained that this provides a significant logistical cost advantage compared to shipments from South America, and due to the superior flavor resulting from the region's climate and soil structure, foreign buyers are offering direct contract farming agreements to local farmers.
Value-Added Product Goals
In the future of the sector, not only fresh consumption but also the development of processed and value-added products play a strategic role. Ali Hüddoğlu noted that efforts are underway to utilize mangoes as raw material in tea, marmalade, dried foods, as well as in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. He stated that with the commissioning of the new wholesale market, more regular shipments will be made to international markets, and the Chairman of the Alanya Tropical Fruit Producers Association, Ali Hüddoğlu, announced the global export goals with the following words:
"Our goal is to become the largest tropical fruit supplier for Europe, Russia, and the Turkic republics within 10 years."