Dried Fig Supplier Interview: Part 1
Dried fig demand has been increasing globally due to the growing number of health-conscious consumers looking for healthy snack and dessert alternatives. The global dried fig market is expected to reach USD 780 million in 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.42% in the period from 2023 to 2028. Türkiye is the global leader in producing dried figs, with an export value of USD 352 million in 2022.
Fig production and harvest occur across different regions in Türkiye. However, according to the International Horticulture Congress, the Aydin province in the Aegean region west of Türkiye, accounts for 62% of fresh figs and 75% of dried fig production. This is due to the ideal soil, temperature, and precipitation conditions in these regions, especially near the Büyük and Küçük Menderes basins, where the majority of fig production occurs in mountainous areas. Although Türkiye is famous for its abundance of high-quality figs, there is a lack of first-hand information about the conditions of producing and exporting dried figs from the suppliers’ perspective.
Aegean Region and Aydin province in Türkiye
Source: International Horticulture Congress
To gather further insights regarding production, changes in demand, challenges, and future prospects in some of the key global suppliers of dried figs, Tridge conducted a series of interviews with Turkish dried fig suppliers. The series of interviews aim to offer first-hand information from a variety of suppliers with differing years of experience, location, and export plans. The interview was conducted by Alper Akkurt, a member of Tridge’s Growth Solution Department.
1. UMDT Dried Fruits
The first interview was conducted with a representative from UMDT Dried Fruits. Established in 2016, UMDT Dried Fruits currently owns three processing plants. It works with fig farmers in the Aegean region, who send figs to UMDT’s fig processing plant in Aydin, Türkiye. Its products are mostly exported to European countries, but UMDT is looking to expand to Asia. Its latest offer recorded on Tridge for dried figs was USD 3 per kilogram (kg) in Jan-23.
UMDT’s Processing Plant for dried figs
Source: Tridge
Tridge: To start, how has your dried fig production and harvesting been going this year?
UMDT Dried Fruits: Production for dried fig is expected to be similar to last year’s production. However, there might be a decrease in quality and quantity.
Tridge: Why are you expecting a decrease in your production?
UMDT Dried Fruits: There was intense rain a few days ago on the fig farms. It is unclear how this has affected the figs, but the situation in our production will become clearer within a few days.
Tridge: Aside from the production of dried figs, have you observed any changes in your company regarding export and demand?
UMDT Dried Fruits: We have seen increased demand from far East Asia. We have been getting requests from countries like China and Hong Kong.
Tridge: What type of methodology or management are you using to ensure the quality of the dried figs?
UMDT Dried Fruits: To maintain quality, we prefer to source from familiar villages and farmers. The most crucial part of fig production is the raw material supply. We strive to acquire high-quality products (figs) every year. We also undergo frequent quality checks during raw material procurement and the order phase.
Tridge: Are these the factors that differentiate your company from other dried fig suppliers?
UMDT Dried Fruits: Yes, as mentioned, we have a meticulous approach to quality control. Many orders undergo quality checks twice. Additionally, our provision of services for small packaged products also sets us apart.
UMDT Factory checking for Aflatoxin under UV light
Source: LinkedIn
Tridge: Can you share your plans for your company in the upcoming years?
UMDT Dried Fruits: We plan on expanding into different markets. As mentioned before, we are exporting to China and Hong Kong and looking at other East Asian countries, such as Japan or South Korea. By expanding our exports, we aim to diversify our risks, especially since we have seen stagnation in Europe and decreased orders from that region.
For more information on UMDT Dried Fruits, please visit Tridge Website, 365 Exhibition Booth page.
2. Hermes Tarim LTD
The second interview was with a representative from Hermes Tarim Urunleri Hayvancilik Gida Nak. Tur. Ins. Taah. Kim. San. Ic Ve Dis Tic. Ltd. Sti, or Hermes Tarim LTD for short. Established in 2013, the company collects fresh figs grown in Izmir, which is located in the Aegean region. Processing and exporting dried fruits and herbs for 10 years, they have a long list of export destinations, including countries in the European Union (EU), the Middle East, South America, the United States (US), Australia, and China.
Countries Hermes Tarim LTD exported to
Source: Tridge
Tridge: Have you seen any changes in dried fig export trends recently in your company, such as demand from other countries?
HERMES TARIM LTD: Apart from traditional markets, we have started getting demand from other countries, and we are now working to meet demands coming from South Africa and South Korea.
Tridge: What differentiates Hermes from other dried fig manufacturers in Türkiye?
Hermes Tarim LTD: What differentiates us and the advantages that we hold above other companies are our price advantage, on-time loading, and maintenance of our high-quality products.
Tridge: Can you tell us your plans for the company?
HERMES TARIM LTD: We plan to continue our commercial relationships with existing customers, acquire new markets like our newly acquired customers in South Africa, increase our sales volume, expand our product alternatives, and diversify our packaged products for end consumers.
For more information on Hermes Tarim LTD, please visit Tridge Website, 365 Exhibition Booth page. Part 2 of the dried fig supplier interview will be published in the upcoming week.