The Chairman of the Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association, Saffet Kalyoncu, announced that 2,468 tons of tea were exported to 110 countries, autonomous regions, and free zones in the first five months of the year. He reported that a total of $12,011,763 profit was generated from these exports, with Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the United States being the top three countries that imported tea. During this period, $4,767,435 worth of tea was sold to Belgium, $1,562,004 to the United Kingdom, and $876,265 to the US.
Kalyoncu also noted that the number of countries to which tea is being exported is steadily increasing, with 51% of Turkey’s tea exports originating from Rize. In the first five months of the year, the city exported 1,608 tons of tea to 21 countries, resulting in a profit of $6,167,725. The highest amount of tea, worth $4,708,987, was exported to Belgium, followed by $484,179 to the US and $209,830 to Northern Cyprus.
Emphasizing the importance of sustainability in tea farming, Kalyoncu expressed his belief that tea production and exports will continue to increase significantly in the future through ongoing efforts. He stressed the need to prepare and implement plans to address the global threat of climate change, as well as to start working on drought-resistant tea varieties. Kalyoncu also highlighted the need to maintain sustainability in tea farming and stressed the importance of developing innovative products that cater to consumer preferences in each country without compromising on quality in order to turn Turkish tea into a global brand.
In conclusion, the Chairman of the Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association highlighted the potential for growth in the tea industry through continued efforts and the development of new strategies. He underscored the importance of adapting to changing consumer preferences, addressing the challenges posed by climate change, and focusing on quality in order to position Turkish tea as a prominent global brand. Through these measures, Kalyoncu believes that the tea industry can thrive and expand its presence in international markets, further contributing to Turkey’s economy.
