IYMSİB CHAIRWOMAN – MELİSA TOKGÖZ MUTLU: Climate conditions caused challenges in raw material supply
Melisa Tokgöz Mutlu, Chairwoman of the Istanbul Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association (IYMSİB), stated that the fresh fruit and vegetable sector exported 3.4 billion dollars in 2024, while the processed fruit and vegetable sector achieved approximately 2.75 billion dollars in exports—marking a 13.5% increase compared to the previous year. Speaking at the award ceremony organized by IYMSİB to honor its members who contributed to the national economy through their 2024 exports, Chairwoman Melisa Tokgöz Mutlu emphasized that 2024 brought both opportunities and challenges for the sector. She highlighted that fluctuations in climate conditions occasionally created difficulties in raw material procurement.
Energy costs undermine competitiveness
Mutlu stated, “Moreover, the significant increase in energy costs raised our production expenses. This situation narrowed our profit margins and put negative pressure on our competitiveness.” Reiterating that the most critical challenges faced by the sector last year were the increases in energy and logistics costs, Mutlu added, “High energy prices had a negative impact across a wide range of operations—from activities in our production facilities to cold chain logistics systems. Additionally, fluctuations in raw material prices made cost management more difficult. In exports, logistics disruptions, increased competition in target markets, and exchange rate volatility were other major factors challenging our sector.”
“We look to 2025 with hope and strategic goals”
Referring to the figures from the first quarter of the year, Mutlu announced that the fresh fruit and vegetable sector started 2025 strong with exports totaling approximately 972 million dollars, while the processed products sector reached 634 million dollars. “We look to 2025 with great hope and strategic targets,” said Mutlu. “Improving the investment climate and especially expanding the scope of government incentives are of critical importance for the growth of our sector. Increasing incentives for green energy projects and carbon-neutral production processes can both reduce costs and enhance our competitiveness in international markets. Moreover, improving logistics infrastructure and accelerating customs procedures will play a key role in reaching our export targets.”
Top 10 exporters in fresh fruit and vegetable honored
At the award ceremony where the top 10 exporting companies among IYMSİB members were announced, companies leading in five sub-sectors within the union were also recognized. Among all sectors, Anadolu Etap ranked first in exports last year, followed by TAT Gıda in second place and Mey İçki Sanayi in third. Döhler Gıda and Tunay Gıda followed respectively.
Exports from Istanbul increased by 17%
Mutlu stated that the top priority issue the sector expects to see addressed in 2025 is the reduction of energy costs. She also emphasized that better planning in agricultural production could help mitigate raw material shortages caused by natural risks such as drought. Mutlu noted that exports from the Istanbul-based union reached approximately 170 million dollars in the first quarter of the year, marking a 17% increase. She highlighted that, over the past 12 months, the highest volume of exports from Istanbul were made to the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with these three countries accounting for 27% of the union’s total exports. She added that 28% of Istanbul’s exports consisted of apple juice, mineral and spring waters, and alcoholic beverages.
