Turkish and Spanish Dried Figs Edge Higher on Firm New-Crop Demand

Turkish dried fig prices are edging moderately higher on selected organic grades, while conventional offers remain broadly steady. Spanish dried figs are stable but priced at a discount to Turkish organics, supporting demand from EU buyers looking for alternatives within the bloc. Firm export interest into Europe and better new-crop quality in Türkiye underpin the tone, while comfortable overall availability is tempering any sharp rally for now. Warm, dry weather in key growing areas in Aydın and Extremadura continues to support drying and quality, reducing immediate weather risk to the 2026/27 campaign.

Prices

Price action over the last week has been mildly bullish on higher-value organic lines out of İzmir, Türkiye. Organic Fig Protoben No. 4/5 (FOB İzmir) is indicated at 15.65 EUR, unchanged from the previous quote on 25 September but up slightly versus mid-September levels. Organic Lerida No. 4 (FOB İzmir) is quoted at 14.95 EUR, a marginal uptick from 14.90 EUR.

Organic Figs Mini (FOB İzmir) have inched up to 16.15 EUR, while Organic fig cubes (FOB İzmir) are stable at 9.70 EUR. Conventional chopped whole No. 8/9 (FOB İzmir) remains steady at 10.80 EUR. In Spain, organic "Spanish Gold" dried figs (FOB Madrid) are quoted at 10.90 EUR, holding flat versus the previous assessment, and keeping a noticeable discount to Turkish organic premiums.

Conventional Malatya natural and Lerida styles remain stable, with No. 4 Natural (FOB Malatya) at 8.80 EUR and No. 4 Lerida (FOB Malatya) at 6.60 EUR, reflecting balanced supply and demand. The absence of sharp corrections suggests that packers are managing sales programs carefully and avoiding aggressive undercutting despite a larger Turkish crop outlook.

Supply & Demand

Turkey remains the dominant driver of global dried fig supply, accounting for roughly 60–65% of world dried fig demand in recent seasons according to Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture. A recent sector meeting in Aydın confirmed an official 2026 forecast of about 388,000 tonnes of fresh figs and 94,000 tonnes of dried figs, signalling a larger and healthier crop than last year.

Specialist industry commentary on the 2026/27 campaign highlights that harvest and sun-drying are well underway in Aydın, with early arrivals showing good colour and quality. A recent harvest report estimates potential Turkish dried fig output up to around 95,000 tonnes, conditional on continued dry and stable weather through the drying and packing period.

Export demand from Europe is rebuilding after last season’s supply tightness, and Turkish exporters are described as selling cautiously while evaluating the real strength of international demand. Recent market analysis notes that Turkish dried fig prices are holding firm rather than retreating, reflecting the combination of improved quality and still-not-excessive exportable volumes after prior weather-related shortfalls.

Spain plays a smaller but regionally important role, particularly from Extremadura, where varieties such as Calabacita and San Antonio are widely grown and suited for drying. Stable Spanish FOB prices and the absence of major crop issues this month mean Spanish dried figs continue to complement Turkish supply, especially for EU buyers who value shorter logistics and EU-origin status.

Weather & Crop Conditions (TR, ES)

In Aydın and the wider Turkish fig belt, late-September weather remains seasonally warm and mostly dry, with daytime highs generally in the upper 20s to low 30s °C and cool nights. Medium-range forecasts for the coming days indicate continued dry or near-dry conditions, which are supportive for final sun-drying, grading and storage of the 2026/27 dried fig crop.

In Spain’s Extremadura region, where much of the country’s drying fig production is concentrated, forecasts for Cáceres point to very warm, predominantly dry weather. From 25 to 27 September, daytime highs are projected in the 30–35°C range with almost no rain risk and light winds, a pattern that is favourable for final drying and reduces the immediate risk of quality downgrades from late-season moisture.

Fundamentals & Trade Flows

Industry sources stress that although the Turkish crop is larger and healthier than last season, total exportable volume has not yet returned fully to long-term averages, due to carry-in stock depletion and strict aflatoxin controls. This combination of improved but not excessive supply explains why prices for premium organic Protoben and Lerida styles in İzmir are firm to slightly higher, rather than easing as might be expected in a bumper year.

European demand is seasonally solid as packers prepare for autumn and winter sales, with importers reportedly rebuilding positions in Turkish dried figs after a period of cautious buying. The presence of competitively priced Spanish organic "Spanish Gold" figs at 10.90 EUR FOB Madrid offers a cost-effective EU-origin alternative, but volumes from Spain remain modest compared to Turkey, limiting their ability to cap Turkish price levels in higher-value segments.

On the conventional side, stable Malatya Lerida and natural prices reflect sufficient supply and a more price-sensitive demand base. Buyers appear to be focusing on quality and food safety assurances rather than chasing the lowest possible price, particularly in Western Europe, where compliance and traceability requirements remain stringent.

Trading Outlook (Next 1–2 Weeks)

• Turkish organics (İzmir): With good crop quality and disciplined selling, prices for organic Protoben and Lerida grades are biased slightly upward. Nearby downside appears limited unless export demand slows abruptly.
• Turkish conventionals (Malatya): Stable fundamentals and comfortable supply suggest a sideways market. Buyers can continue to cover routine needs on dips but should not expect significant discounts in the short term.
• Spanish organics (Madrid): Spanish Gold figs at 10.90 EUR offer relative value versus Turkish organics. EU buyers needing origin diversification may continue to increase interest at current levels.

3-Day Regional Price Direction (Indicative)

• Türkiye – İzmir (FOB, organic & value-added): Bias slightly firmer to steady on strong new-crop quality and active European demand.
• Türkiye – Malatya (FOB, conventional dried figs): Expected to remain mostly steady, with narrow trading ranges as exporters monitor shipment programs.
• Spain – Madrid (FOB, organic dried figs): Likely to stay steady, supported by stable demand and limited capacity to expand volumes.