Turkish Dried Apricots Hold Steady as New Crop Approaches

FOB dried apricot prices from Türkiye remain broadly stable in early July, with unsulphured grades around EUR 7.8–8.6/kg and organic lots at a firm premium near EUR 9.3–10.3/kg. EU warehouse prices have inched higher, pointing to a modestly supportive demand backdrop as the 2026 Malatya crop estimate of about 67,000 tonnes underpins confidence in adequate supply. With export demand for Turkish dried fruits still robust and Malatya once again confirmed as the core production hub, the market is entering the new-season window in a relatively balanced position. Newly released official estimates in Malatya point to a 2026 dried apricot output target above 67,000 tonnes, keeping supply expectations comfortable but not burdensome.  High summer temperatures are accelerating drying conditions without major weather shocks so far, while EU buyers are cautiously rebuilding stocks following earlier price corrections. 

Prices

In Türkiye, current FOB Malatya offers for conventional unsulphured dried apricots are clustering around EUR 7.8–8.6/kg, depending on size, while sulphured product trades slightly lower, near EUR 7.3–8.0/kg equivalent. Organic grades command a solid premium, with Malatya and Ankara offers roughly EUR 9.3–10.3/kg. Export quotations from leading Malatya-based processors for the 2026 crop broadly align with this range, with indicative FOB Mersin values reported between about EUR 6,200 and 11,800 per tonne, depending on size and specification. 

In the EU, FCA prices for Turkish origin stock in the Netherlands and Poland have edged up by roughly EUR 0.10/kg since late June on most main sizes, now sitting around EUR 5.2–6.7/kg for conventional sulphured product. This mild firming suggests steady import demand and some pre‑harvest restocking, even as Turkish export unit values for apricots overall continue to reflect strong competitiveness versus other dried fruits. 

Supply & Demand

Malatya authorities and local commissions have just confirmed a 2026 dried apricot production target above 67,000 tonnes for the province, reinforcing its position as the world capital of dried apricots.  This level is broadly in line with recent seasons and should comfortably cover current export programs, particularly as Türkiye remains the dominant global supplier with around two‑thirds of world dried apricot output. 

On the demand side, the Dried Fruits and Products Exporters' Association reports that Turkish dried fruit exports, including apricots, have remained strong over the last 12 months, with Europe continuing as the main outlet.  Recent coverage in Malatya’s local press highlights that dried apricot exports again generated significant foreign exchange in the first half of 2026, confirming stable global interest despite some earlier price corrections. 

Fundamentals & Weather

The key short‑term fundamental is the transition from old‑crop to new‑crop supply. The new harvest around Malatya is beginning under generally hot, dry summer conditions, which are favourable for sun‑drying but can tighten labor and logistics if heat intensifies.  At this stage, no major frost or storm damage has been reported in the July coverage of the 2026 crop, and the official rekolte announcement supports expectations of a normal commercial volume. 

Weather forecasts from Türkiye’s state meteorological service point to continued very warm, mostly dry conditions in Malatya over the next several days, with peak daytime temperatures well above seasonal averages and only limited cloud cover.  This should accelerate drying times and support quality for sulphured and unsulphured fruit, though it also increases the need for careful handling to avoid over‑drying and colour loss, especially in organic segments where chemical interventions are restricted. 

Trading Outlook (Next 3–7 Days)

• Buyers (importers/packers): Consider securing part of Q4 coverage now while FOB Malatya prices remain stable and EU FCA levels are only slightly firmer. Priority should be on core sizes No. 2–5, where balanced supply and favourable weather reduce near‑term upside risk.
• Retail/brand owners: Organic and premium unsulphured grades are likely to stay tight relative to conventional product; early contracting for 2026/27 programs is advisable to lock in current differentials.
• Producers/exporters: With harvest weather supportive and a well‑publicised 67,000‑tonne dried apricot target, incremental price increases may face resistance. Focus on quality differentiation and logistics performance rather than aggressive list‑price hikes.

3‑Day Price Direction (Region: TR)

• Malatya FOB (conventional sulphured & unsulphured): Sideways to mildly firm; tight nearby logistics and hot weather may support premiums on ready stock, but headline levels are expected to remain in the current EUR 7.3–8.6/kg band.
• Malatya/Ankara FOB (organic): Stable to slightly firmer; limited certified supply and strong Western European interest are likely to keep prices near EUR 9.3–10.3/kg, with upside skew if early quality is strong.
• EU FCA (NL/PL Turkish stock): Slight upward bias; modest restocking and firm Turkish export unit values suggest EU warehouse prices could gain around EUR 0.05–0.10/kg on popular sizes if demand stays steady.