Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

The Mediterranean Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Exporters Association (AKİB) is one of Turkey’s most prominent sectoral trade bodies, established under the umbrella of the Mediterranean Exporters’ Associations General Secretariat. Based in Mersin, Türkiye, AKİB plays a pivotal role in facilitating and promoting the export of Turkish fresh fruits and vegetables to international markets. Operating under the regulatory oversight of the Turkish Ministry of Trade, AKİB serves as a platform for coordination, representation, and development for exporters in the Mediterranean region of Turkey.

Core Mission and Services

AKİB’s primary mandate is to strengthen the global competitiveness of its member exporters and enhance Turkey’s presence in international fresh produce markets. Its services include:

• Market Intelligence and Research: Providing data-driven insights, export statistics, and global demand trends.
• Regulatory Support: Assisting members with customs documentation, health certifications, and international compliance.
• Trade Promotion Activities: Organizing national pavilions at global fairs, B2B matchmaking events, and international buyer missions.
• Training and Capacity Building: Offering educational seminars, webinars, and consultancy on international trade regulations.
• Export Development Projects: Participating in state-backed UR-GE (International Competitiveness Development) projects to improve exporter capabilities.

Sectoral Specialization

AKİB represents exporters dealing in a wide range of fresh produce, including:

• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, Lemons, Mandarins, Grapefruit
• Stone Fruits: Apricots, Cherries, Peaches, Plums
• Table Grapes
• Pomegranates and Figs
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Peppers
• Leafy Greens and Herbs
• Root Vegetables: Onions, Garlic, Carrots

Membership and Regional Coverage

AKİB has over 900 member companies from across Türkiye’s Mediterranean region, primarily operating in:

• Mersin
• Adana
• Hatay
• Antalya
• Kahramanmaraş
• Osmaniye

These regions account for a significant portion of Türkiye’s horticultural output and fresh produce exports, with AKİB acting as their key institutional representative.

Export Performance

According to official reports from AKİB and the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM):

• Total exports coordinated by AKİB Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Association reached USD 1.22 billion in 2023.
• Russia, Iraq, Germany, Romania, and Ukraine were the top five export destinations.
• Citrus exports alone comprised over 50% of total fresh produce exports.
• The association's members contributed to over 35% of Türkiye’s national fresh fruits and vegetables exports.

AKİB members ship to more than 80 countries worldwide, using Mersin International Port (MIP) and Iskenderun Port as primary logistics hubs.

Strategic Activities

• International Fairs: Regular participation in Fruit Logistica (Berlin), Asia Fruit Logistica (Hong Kong/Bangkok), WorldFood Moscow, and others.
• Digital Trade Platforms: Development of virtual fairs and B2B matchmaking tools to maintain trade flow post-pandemic.
• Export Incentive Facilitation: Guiding members in accessing government-backed export subsidies and incentives.
• UR-GE Projects: Coordinating state-funded international competitiveness programs to help SMEs expand globally.

Capabilities

• Technical Expertise: Staffed with trade experts, agricultural engineers, and international marketing consultants.
• Policy Advocacy: Liaising with Turkish government and international institutions to represent exporter interests.
• Sustainability Programs: Engaging in training programs on post-harvest loss reduction and eco-friendly packaging.

Certifications and Compliance

Although AKİB itself is not a certifying body, it supports its members in compliance with:

• GLOBALG.A.P.
• GRASP
• BRCGS
• IFS
• Organic Certifications (EU, USDA)
• MRL Compliance with destination country standards

AKİB’s seminars often focus on navigating new phytosanitary regulations, sustainability protocols, and traceability systems.

Stakeholder Testimonials

“AKİB’s support in international exhibitions and regulatory matters has been crucial in growing our European business.”
— Export Manager, Citrus Grower Cooperative, Adana

“Their UR-GE projects helped us optimize our logistics and improve our market reach in Eastern Europe.”
— Owner, Mid-size Vegetable Exporter, Mersin

Major Achievements

• Coordinated over USD 1 billion in exports annually for the last five years.
• Represented Türkiye in major trade platforms including Fruit Logistica, Anuga, and Asia Fruit Logistica.
• Facilitated over 30 UR-GE projects and international buyer missions since 2015.
• Published sector-specific export guides and multilingual trade manuals for its members.
• Supported member expansion into non-traditional markets such as Africa and East Asia.