Turkish Dried Figs Hold Firm as New Crop Arrives and Heat Stays High

Turkish dried fig prices are stable to slightly firm as the 2026/27 crop enters the market, with FOB Malatya offers broadly unchanged week-on-week and a modest premium for organic and specialty grades from Izmir. A larger Turkish crop is expected, but exporters remain cautious due to ongoing mycotoxin concerns and the need to see the drying season safely through. The market opens the new season with a fundamentally comfortable supply outlook, after exporters reported rising export values but softer volumes earlier in 2026. Strong demand from Europe and the UK for high-quality, compliant product underpins prices, while the EU’s dependence on imported dried figs keeps the floor relatively high. Hot and dry weather in Malatya and Izmir over the coming days is broadly supportive for drying conditions, reducing immediate weather-related downside risks. Buyers face a classic timing question: secure volumes now at stable levels or wait in the hope that a full surplus later in September will ease prices.

Prices

FOB Malatya conventional dried figs are assessed around the following levels on 3 September 2026: no. 7 Lerida near EUR 7.60/kg, natural no. 6 at about EUR 7.80/kg, rising to roughly EUR 9.60/kg for natural no. 1. This aligns with broader market indications that conventional Turkish figs are trading between about EUR 6.2–9.6/kg depending on size and style.

In Izmir, higher value organic and processed figs command a clear premium: organic cubes around EUR 9.7/kg, chopped whole figs near EUR 10.8/kg, organic Lerida no. 4 about EUR 14.9/kg and Protoben no. 4/5 close to EUR 15.6/kg, with mini organic figs near EUR 16.1/kg. These levels sit well above the EU’s longer‑term average import price for dried figs of roughly EUR 5.10/kg, reflecting Turkey’s position in the premium segment and current season tightness in compliant, high‑grade material.

Supply & Demand

The new Turkish dried fig harvest is under way in Aydın and surrounding regions, with early assessments pointing to a larger 2026/27 crop than last season if weather remains favourable during drying. Export data from Turkey’s dried fruit association show robust dried-fruit export values this year, with dried figs a key component, even as volumes earlier in 2026 ran below the previous season.

On the demand side, Europe remains structurally import‑dependent for dried figs, with a negative trade balance of around EUR 415 million in 2022–2026 and a weighted average import price of about EUR 5.10/kg. Recent trade‑flow data highlight active buyer bases in key markets such as the UK, where more than 140 dried fig importers have been recorded and London‑area buyers dominate shipments. This broad, diversified demand base is helping absorb the new Turkish crop without significant downward pressure so far.

Fundamentals & Quality

Global dried fig trade in 2026 has been characterised by lower export volumes but firm prices, as stricter EU quality and mycotoxin controls limited effective supply. Recent RASFF notifications still show rejections for ochratoxin A in diced organic figs from Turkey as late as 31 July 2026, underlining that quality remains a live risk. Exporters therefore continue to screen aggressively and are conservative in offering lower‑grade material, especially to the EU.

With world dried fig production concentrated and consumption steady, Turkey’s larger 2026/27 crop provides some buffer but does not yet translate into surplus pressure, given these quality constraints and steady demand in Europe and North America. Premium organic and specialty products from Izmir, including cubes, diced and mini formats, remain in tighter balance, which explains their persistent high price levels relative to conventional Malatya grades.

Weather Outlook (TR)

For Malatya, key for some dried fig processing and logistics, the weather from 4–6 September 2026 is forecast hot and dry, with daytime highs around 31–34°C and clear skies. Such conditions favour continued drying and storage operations, reducing short‑term spoilage or mould risks. Background climate data for the region show relatively low annual rainfall, consistent with these current dry conditions.

In Izmir and the core Aegean fig belt, temperatures are expected to remain very hot over the same period, around 34–35°C with strong sun and no meaningful rainfall. This supports the final stages of sun‑drying, though prolonged heat also increases the need for careful handling and rapid movement into controlled storage to protect quality.

Short-Term Outlook & Trading Ideas

• Conventional Malatya figs: With offers stable and weather supportive, downside over the next few days appears limited. Buyers needing nearby coverage may consider layering in volumes around current levels, particularly for mid‑range sizes (no. 4–6).
• Organic and specialty Izmir figs: Tight availability and strong niche demand suggest prices will remain firm to slightly higher in the very short term. Strategic buyers should secure key items (cubes, mini, Protoben) early in the season.
• Quality risk management: Given ongoing mycotoxin rejections in EU trade, buyers should insist on up‑to‑date lab results and clear traceability, especially when negotiating any discounts on lower grades or processed lots.

3‑Day Price Indication (Direction, TR FOB)

• Malatya conventional dried figs (no. 3–7): Prices seen stable over the next 3 days, with a mild upward bias if export interest picks up after weekend inquiries.
• Izmir organic / value‑added figs: Prices expected to remain firm to slightly higher, reflecting tight high‑grade supply and strong early‑season demand.