Turkish Dried Figs: Global Leadership, Quality Initiatives, and Market Stability in 2025
The global dried figs market is experiencing a period of stability and innovation, with Turkey solidifying its position as the undisputed leader in both production and export. Over 60% of the world’s dried figs originate from Turkey, with the Aegean region’s Sarılop (Calimyrna) variety in high demand across the EU, USA, China, and Japan. Despite facing challenges from climate change and heightened aflatoxin risks in the 2024-2025 season, Turkish exporters have maintained rigorous quality controls and sustainability initiatives, notably the award-winning ‘Sustainable Management of Aflatoxin Dried Figs Project.
This project not only garnered international recognition at the 42nd INC Congress in Spain but also set a benchmark for food safety and environmental responsibility by converting contaminated figs into renewable energy before they enter the market. With 63,000 tons exported to more than 100 countries and $337 million in foreign currency earned, Turkish dried figs continue to command strong global demand. The market is further buoyed by strict adherence to the Turkish Food Codex, ensuring only premium-quality figs reach both domestic and international consumers.
As weather volatility and mycotoxin concerns persist, Turkey’s holistic approach to sustainability, quality assurance, and supply chain transparency is likely to bolster its competitive edge and market prestige in the coming seasons.
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Figs dried
no: 7, lerida
FOB 8.30 €/kg
(from TR)
Figs dried
no: 6, natural
FOB 8.50 €/kg
(from TR)
Figs dried
no: 5, natural
FOB 8.70 €/kg
(from TR)
📈 Prices
| Origin | Type | Grade | Location | Delivery Terms | Latest Price (USD/kg) | Previous Price (USD/kg) | Update Date | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Figs dried | No.: 7, lerida | Malatya | FOB | 8.3 | 8.3 | 2025-05-20 | Stable |
| Turkey | Figs dried | No.: 6, natural | Malatya | FOB | 8.5 | 8.5 | 2025-05-20 | Stable |
| Turkey | Figs dried | No.: 5, natural | Malatya | FOB | 8.7 | 8.7 | 2025-05-20 | Stable |
| Iran | Figs dried | Grade AAA | Tehran | FOB | 5.13 | 5.05 | 2025-05-03 | Firm |
| Iran | Figs dried | Grade AA | Tehran | FOB | 4.45 | 4.35 | 2025-05-03 | Firm |
🌍 Supply & Demand
- Turkey: Dominates global dried fig production and export (60%+ market share). 2024-2025 exports: 63,000 tons to 100+ countries, earning $337 million.
- Demand: High from EU, USA, China, and Japan, especially for Sarılop (Calimyrna) figs.
- Quality Assurance: 1,500 tons of aflatoxin-contaminated figs were removed from the market and converted to energy, enhancing food safety and sustainability.
- Iran: Main competitor on price, with lower FOB prices but less global market share and less stringent quality controls.
📊 Fundamentals
- Production: Turkey remains the largest global producer, followed by Iran and other Mediterranean countries.
- Stocks: Turkey’s strict controls and removal of contaminated product help maintain high-quality exportable stocks.
- Speculation: Stability in Turkish prices suggests balanced speculative positioning; Iranian prices are firming up slightly.
- Policy: Turkish Food Codex and the Ministry of Agriculture enforce rigorous standards, preventing substandard figs from entering domestic or export channels.
⛅ Weather Outlook
- Aegean Region (Turkey): Weather in May 2025 is seasonally warm and dry, with adequate irrigation reported. However, past climate volatility increased mould and mycotoxin risks, prompting proactive quality measures.
- Forecast Impact: No major weather disruptions expected for the next 3 days; continued vigilance required for late-season rains or humidity that could affect harvest quality.
🌐 Global Production & Stocks
| Country | 2024-2025 Production (est. tons) | Export Share (%) | Stock Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | ~65,000 | 60+ | High (strict controls) |
| Iran | ~20,000 | 15 | Medium |
| Others (Spain, USA, China, etc.) | ~23,000 | 25 | Varied |
📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations
- Turkish dried fig prices remain stable at high levels, reflecting sustained global demand and effective quality interventions.
- Buyers should prioritise Turkish-origin figs for premium quality and food safety compliance.
- Monitor Iranian offers for price-sensitive markets, but be cautious about quality and supply consistency.
- Expect continued tightness in premium grades as the sustainability project removes contaminated product from circulation.
- Weather vigilance remains crucial; late-season rains could still impact quality.
- Speculative traders: Market sentiment is neutral to slightly bullish, given robust demand and stable supply.
🔮 3-Day Regional Price Forecast
| Region | Exchange/Market | Current Price (USD/kg) | 3-Day Forecast (USD/kg) | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey (Malatya) | FOB Export | 8.3 – 9.5 | 8.3 – 9.5 | Stable |
| Iran (Tehran) | FOB Export | 2.67 – 5.13 | 2.67 – 5.20 | Firm |
Key Insight: Turkish dried figs maintain a premium in the global market, supported by sustainability, food safety, and strong international demand. No significant price changes are expected in the immediate term, but ongoing climate risks and competitive pressures warrant close monitoring.
