The export of Turkish tea exceeded 12 million dollars in 5 months

The tea exports from Turkey during the January-May period of the year amounted to $12,011,763

Saffet Kalyoncu, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association, stated that 2,468 tons of tea were exported to 110 countries, autonomous regions, and free zones in the span of 5 months.

He noted that the mentioned exports generated a revenue of $12,011,763, saying, "Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the USA were the top three countries to which tea was exported. During this period, tea worth $4,767,435 was sold to Belgium, $1,562,004 to the United Kingdom, and $876,265 to the USA."

Kalyoncu pointed out the increasing number of countries to which exports were made, mentioning that 51% of Turkey's tea exports were from Rize.

He mentioned that 1,608 tons of tea were sold to 21 countries from the city in the first 5 months of the year, generating a revenue of $6,167,725. He stated that the highest tea export was to Belgium, totaling $4,708,987, followed by the USA with $484,179, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with $209,830.

"Sustainability is crucial in tea farming," emphasized Kalyoncu. He expressed their expectation for tea production and exports to significantly increase in the coming days through planned efforts. He stressed the importance of preparing and implementing precautionary measures against global warming, the greatest threat to agricultural products, and initiating studies on drought-resistant tea varieties promptly.

Highlighting the significance of sustainability in tea farming, Kalyoncu added that turning Turkish tea into a brand abroad required the development of innovative products tailored to consumer preferences in each country without compromising on quality.