The drop in wheat flour exports caused a decrease of approximately 1 million tons in the grain, legumes, oilseeds, and related products exports of the Southeastern Anatolia Region. The region’s exports in this sector reached $2.8 billion in the first ten months of the year.
The grain, legumes, oilseeds, and related products sector, which is Southeastern Anatolia’s top exporter, generated $2.8 billion in export revenue over the 10-month period. Compared to the same period last year, the region exported nearly 1 million tons less of basic food products. Despite a 22.2% drop in export volume, the rise in average export unit prices limited the revenue decline to 7.5%. On a monthly basis, data showed that in October, the region exported 76,700 tons of pasta, 31,400 tons of sunflower oil, and over 13,000 tons of sweet biscuits, wafers, chocolate, and cocoa-based products. Total grain exports from the region in October brought in $291 million.
DUBAI CHOCOLATE IS A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR BUSINESSES
Highlighting the role of the decline in wheat flour exports in the volume reduction, Celal Kadooğlu, President of the Southeastern Anatolia Grain, Legumes, Oilseeds, and Related Products Exporters’ Association, stated that the average export unit price in the region had increased by nearly 19%. He continued:
Celal Kadooğlu
“In the 10-month period, the total contribution of sweet biscuits, wafers, and chocolate and cocoa-based products, with exports nearing 120,000 tons, to our region amounted to $430 million. The average export unit prices for these products range between $3.5 and $4, and their monetary return is increasing year by year. We are a region that hosts leading brands in the production of these shelf-ready products suitable for quick consumption and generates nearly $500 million in annual export revenue from them. However, these valuable assets of the region need to be promoted more extensively through creative marketing efforts and highlighted in line with global consumer trends. The recent phenomenon of Dubai Chocolate serves as a good example for all businesses. Gaziantep, which has the potential, could have spearheaded this global trend long ago. Moving forward, if we can increase the number of value-added products and better promote them to international consumers using new-generation communication channels like social media, the entire world will talk about Gaziantep.”
Kadooğlu, noting that the decrease in rainfall this year has caused disruptions in cereal planting and increased concerns about agricultural productivity, concluded his statement as follows:
“The rainfall in the Southeastern region was 80% lower than last year in October. Seasonal rains, which are crucial for planting, did not increase by November. The drought negatively affecting cereal planting is raising concerns about next year’s crops. Our farmers are expecting new incentives and loans to establish modern systems that save water in agricultural production. New support for farmers in solving issues related to global climate change will also contribute to the efficiency of investments made so far.”