A Grand Entry: Turkish Dried Fruits
Did you know Turkiye is the biggest producer of sultanas, at 300,000 tonnes and dried apricots at 130,000 tonnes? A global leader in the production and export of dried fruits, Turkiye supplies premium quality products to over 150 countries. One of them, of course, is our beloved India. What awaits us is an array of figs, apricots, sultanas and pistachios that can be used as snacks as well as in cooking and garnishing our dishes.
The grand unveiling took place at MEWA India 2025 trade show in Bombay, in collaboration with the Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFCI). Consul General of Turkiye, Mustafa Kemalettin Eruygur, Chairman of the Turkish Dried Fruits and Products Exporters’ Association Sector Board, Osman Öz and President of the Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFCI), Gunjan Jain set the path for Turkish Dried Fruits in India.
With a 34% increase in tourists from India to Turkiye in 2024, the country is getting it right with the large Indian population and hence, the launch of Turkish Dried Fruits is only a step forward in the right direction. Osman Oz said at the launch, “With Turkiye’s expertise in sustainable agriculture, our dried figs, apricots, sultanas and pistachios offer a nutritious and delicious addition to India’s diverse food choices.” The versatility of these dried fruits makes for a great addition to the Indian kitchens, whether as a snack, savoury item, in cereals and porridges, desserts, even energy bars which has taken the fitness world by storm.
Turkish Dried Fruits go perfectly well in festive celebrations like Diwali and Holi, in traditional sweets like laddoos and barfi, and in healthy snacking, as they are naturally sun-dried and preservative-free. With the growing trend in healthy eating, these dried fruits fit in just right for the Indian consumer, globally just as well. It’s a significant rise in the relations between two nations through food. Consul General Mustafa Kemalettin Eruygur emphasised the significance of this launch in strengthening trade relations between Türkiye and India, adding, "The introduction of Turkish Dried Fruits into India is a reflection of the ever-growing trade and cultural ties between our two nations. Türkiye and India share a rich culinary tradition, and this initiative opens new opportunities for collaboration in the food sector.”
What makes Turkish Dried Fruits special and suitable for the Indian market is its cultural heritage and sustainability. Rich culinary traditions are infused in these products that come from eco-friendly farming and advanced techniques blended with age-old methods that ensure superior taste and quality.
A wide variety of dried fruits have made their way to our shores, from Dried Apricots to Dried Figs, Dried Seedless Grapes also known as Sultanas, and Pistachios. These are a wealth of nutrition, offering loads of dietary fibre, antioxidants, vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, and minerals like calcium, iron and more. They support bone health and nerve function. Most of all, Turkish Dried Fruits are a great source of energy as they contain natural sugars.
So, go Turkish Dried Fruits every day, we say!