Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Turkey is a major global quince producer with commercial orchards concentrated in Sakarya, Bursa, Denizli and Manisa. Premium fruit is exported through provincial packers and traders, while lower grades are diverted to domestic processing uses such as jam, jelly, marmalade and juice. Harvest is an autumn activity, with timing varying by province and cultivar.
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter
Domestic RoleFresh table fruit and processing fruit; lower grades are used for jam, jelly, marmalade and juice
SeasonalityHarvest generally falls in October-November, with timing varying by variety and region.
Specification
Primary VarietyEşme
Physical Attributes- Fragrant yellow fruit
- Firm, juicy flesh
- Sweet-tart flavor profile
Grades- First-class export grade
- Processing grade for jam, jelly, marmalade and juice
Packaging- Viyol-packed export cartons
- Bulk crates for processing fruit
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Orchard harvest -> sorting and grading -> viyol/carton packing -> cold holding -> export shipment or domestic trader collection
- Lower grades are diverted into jam, jelly, marmalade and juice processing
Temperature- Careful handling and cool storage are used to extend shelf life
- Cold storage is used to reduce post-harvest losses and hold fruit longer
Shelf Life- Bruising and storage damage reduce market value
- Careful harvest and cold storage are used to preserve marketability
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeLand
Risks
Phytosanitary HighFire blight pressure in soft-pome orchards, together with residue-sensitive export inspections, can cause severe quality loss or rejection if orchard hygiene, spray records and field sanitation are weak.Use monitored orchard programs, pruning sanitation and pre-harvest residue checks; segregate suspect lots before packing.
Logistics MediumFresh quince is bruise-sensitive and depends on fast grading, cooling and shipment; delays increase shrink and downgrade rates.Pack quickly, maintain cool-chain discipline and avoid unnecessary dwell time at consolidation points.
Regulatory Compliance MediumExport shipments must satisfy Turkey's plant quarantine controls and destination-market paperwork, or loads can be held at border.Pre-clear documents against the buyer's import checklist and confirm phytosanitary requirements before dispatch.
Market / Price Volatility MediumPremium export fruit and processing fruit clear through different channels, so farmgate returns can swing with grade-out rates and export demand.Keep domestic processing outlets available and negotiate pricing by grade rather than relying on a single export outlet.
Sustainability- Orchard disease pressure can increase spray intensity and residue-management demands
- Post-harvest losses rise when careful harvest and cold storage are not maintained
FAQ
Which provinces matter most for Turkish quince supply?Sakarya is the dominant production province, and Bursa, Denizli and Manisa are also important producing areas.
When is quince harvested in Turkey?Harvest is generally in October and November, but the exact timing varies by province and cultivar.
What documents are needed to export fresh quince from Turkey?The export controls reference a phytosanitary certificate, along with the commercial invoice and an international transport document.
What happens to fruit that does not meet export grade?Lower-grade fruit is commonly diverted into domestic processing uses such as jam, jelly, marmalade and juice.