Turkish Dried Apricot Prices Hold Firm as New Crop Develops Under Favorable Weather
Turkish dried apricot prices hold firm as Malatya weather stays favorable. Sulphured grades ease slightly, unsulphured and organic remain well supported.
Prices & Differentials
All prices below are FOB/FCA and expressed in EUR/mt (approximate, derived from current USD quotes and FX levels).
Price levels reflect Turkey’s dominance in global dried apricots and the current balance of tight but adequate stocks and steady export flows. Local exporters in Malatya confirm active shipments and a focus on value‑added formats such as diced and cubes bound for EU markets.
Supply, Demand & Crop Situation
Malatya remains the core of world dried apricot supply, providing the majority of Turkish and global production. After the severe frost damage in 2025, the 2026 growing season so far has been far more favorable, with no new widespread frost reported and only localized hail earlier in spring. Recent dried‑fruit market analysis notes that, in contrast to figs, Turkey still has apricot stocks while exports are “up and running,” although export‑quality volumes are not excessive.
Demand on key import markets (EU, UK, Middle East) is currently described as weak to moderate, with buyers well covered and showing resistance to further price increases. Yet, Turkey’s strong position in global apricot production and dried fruit exports means even average crops underpin the market, with limited scope for aggressive discounting. Old‑crop stocks are being managed carefully, especially for premium unsulphured and organic lines, sustaining the notable price premium versus standard sulphured grades.
Weather Outlook (Malatya & Ankara)
Weather in the main apricot belt is supportive. In Malatya, the 3‑day outlook (11–13 June) shows mostly sunny skies with daytime highs around 29–31°C and mild nights, ideal for fruit sizing without heat stress. Ankara, another key trading and packing hub, is also forecast to remain warm and mostly sunny, with only a chance of an isolated thunderstorm on 13 June and temperatures easing to the low‑20s°C.
These conditions are neutral‑to‑slightly bullish for yield and quality: they neither add weather‑risk premiums nor force sellers to discount. Combined with earlier reports that this season largely avoided serious frost damage, the immediate weather contribution to price direction is minimal, favoring a range‑bound market in the very short term.
Market Fundamentals & Sentiment
Recent global dried fruit commentary suggests dried apricot prices entered 2026 at firm levels following previous supply shocks and high input costs, with expectations for persistently elevated but more stable prices through Q1 and into mid‑year. Academic and market analyses highlight that Turkey’s apricot prices are particularly sensitive to agricultural input inflation and export volumes, both of which remain structurally high.
Exporters in Malatya emphasize diversification into higher‑margin processed formats (diced, cubes, mixed dried fruit) and ongoing investments in processing capacity, which help absorb raw material and support baseline demand for Turkish origin. European buyers continue to rely on Turkish apricots for consistent quality and scale, even as some snack and ingredient manufacturers explore alternative origins for price relief. Overall sentiment is cautiously steady: no imminent supply shock, but also no strong demand catalyst.
Short-Term Price Outlook (3 Days, TR)
Given stable orchard weather, ongoing but unspectacular export demand, and disciplined seller behavior, the 3‑day outlook for Turkish dried apricots is broadly sideways with a mild soft bias on lower sulphured grades:
- Unsulphured conventional (no. 1–4, Malatya FOB): Prices expected to remain stable in the current range, with tight offers and limited discounting.
- Organic unsulphured: Premiums remain firm; no short‑term downside anticipated as availability is constrained and niche demand is steady.
- Sulphured grades (no. 4–8): Slight downside risk as buyers resist higher asking levels and stocks appear more comfortable; any moves likely limited to 1–2% adjustments.
- Cubes / industrial formats (FCA EU): Soft tone continues; EU inventory holders may trim prices marginally to stimulate offtake.
Trading Recommendations
- Industrial buyers (EU snack, bakery, cereal): Maintain hand‑to‑mouth coverage for sulphured and cubes; consider small scale‑up of purchases if offered modest discounts, as upside weather risk is low in the near term.
- Brand owners and organic users: Use current stability to secure part of Q3–Q4 needs in organic unsulphured grades; the limited pool of certified supply argues for proactive coverage.
- Exporters / packers in Turkey: Preserve price discipline on prime unsulphured and large sizes; selectively discount lower grades or older lots to keep warehouses fluid without undermining overall market levels.
3-Day Directional View – Key Turkish Points
- Malatya FOB (all main grades): Sideways; bid/offer spreads narrow, with slightly softer tone on sulphured sizes 6–8.
- Ankara FOB (trading hub): Mirrors Malatya; no clear momentum either way, with deals clustering close to current indications.
- EU stocks (NL, PL FCA, Turkish origin): Mildly bearish as holding costs encourage small price concessions, but no indication of heavy liquidation.