Turkish Dried Figs FOB Malatya Hold Steady as New Crop Risk Stays Low

Turkish dried fig prices FOB Malatya are unchanged this week across both natural and Lerida grades, with a wide but stable quality spread and no immediate weather threat to orchards. Demand from export markets is described as steady rather than explosive, but a firm global appetite for natural dried fruit and functional ingredients is underpinning current levels. The Aegean belt (Aydın/İzmir) remains the core production and export hub for Turkish dried figs, while Malatya acts as a key trading and logistics point for mixed dried-fruit programs. A mild, slightly unsettled three‑day weather outlook for Malatya points to low short‑term production risk, but buyers are starting to factor in a structurally growing Turkish figs market towards 2036, with more focus on quality, certification and premium segmentation.

Prices

FOB Malatya prices for Turkish dried figs from Türkiye, as of 19 May 2026, converted approximately to EUR at 1.00 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR:

The internal price curve in Malatya remains steep by quality: top natural and Lerida grades are holding a premium of roughly EUR 1.00–1.50/kg over mid‑range sizes, while No. 6–7 Lerida stay discounted after early‑May repricing. This structure reflects ongoing strong interest in premium, clean and well‑certified lots for Europe and other high‑value markets, while industrial users continue to resist higher prices for small sizes.

Supply & Demand

Turkey remains the dominant origin in global dried‑fig trade, with the Aegean region (particularly Aydın and Nazilli) supplying a large share of world exports and focusing on premium certified production for B2B buyers.  Recent market analysis highlights that the broader Turkish figs market is set on a long‑term growth trajectory, supported by rising global demand for natural dried fruit and use of figs in functional food and health‑oriented products. 

In the short term, the export flow from Türkiye is described as orderly rather than tight. Buyers, especially in Europe, are prioritising food‑safety compliance, aflatoxin control and traceability, which tends to support premiums for well‑documented supply chains and certified plants.  Industrial and retail users continue to favour Turkish origin for consistent quality and established logistics, but are price‑sensitive on lower grades, which explains the compressed, recently adjusted Lerida curve in Malatya.

Fundamentals & Weather

Structurally, market studies project the value of trade in Turkish figs to expand significantly by 2036, driven by premiumisation, organic positioning and broader use of fig ingredients in cereals, snacks and bakery.  Production remains heavily concentrated in Aydın/İzmir, while Malatya’s dried‑fruit ecosystem (notably apricots) provides shared processing and export infrastructure for figs and other fruits. 

For the next three days in Malatya (20–22 May 2026), forecasts point to cool, partly cloudy conditions with scattered thundershowers and highs around 17–21°C.  This pattern is near‑ideal for current orchard development and warehouse operations, with no immediate threat from frost or extreme heat. After a much drier 2025, the return of more regular precipitation in parts of Türkiye has improved soil moisture but still leaves some regions below long‑term norms.  Overall, short‑term weather is neutral to slightly supportive for supply security.

Trading Outlook (Short Term)

• Exporters (TR): Use the current stability in No. 1–3 natural and Lerida prices to lock in forward volumes with key EU and Middle East buyers, especially where you can leverage strong certification and residue control. Prioritise premium grades where global demand growth is clearest.
• Importers / Roasters: With FOB Malatya offers flat week‑on‑week, consider topping up coverage for Q3 shipments in favoured sizes and visually attractive Lerida grades, but avoid over‑buying low grades where competition from other dried fruits and budget snacks caps upside.
• Industrial users: For bakery and cereal applications, the still‑discounted small Lerida sizes offer value. Explore multi‑origin strategies but treat Turkish origin as benchmark for quality and functionality.

3‑Day Price Direction (FOB, TR)

• Malatya FOB dried figs, natural grades (No. 1–5): Sideways in EUR terms over the next 3 days; no strong weather or demand impulse seen.
• Malatya FOB dried figs, Lerida grades (No. 1–7): Sideways, with a modest downward bias only if buyers continue to push back on lower grades; premium Lerida likely to hold firm.
• TR domestic wholesale (Aegean region, reference): Expected broadly stable in EUR as mild weather and adequate raw material availability limit short‑term volatility.