Malatya Apricot, a prominent wholesale supplier and exporter of dried apricots, has announced significant plans to expand its operations, reflecting the increasing global demand for healthy, nutrient-rich food products. On March 17, 2025, the company outlined its commitment to scaling production as consumer preferences shift toward natural snacks.
With over two decades of experience, Malatya Apricot has established itself as a trusted supplier of high-quality dried apricots, sourcing directly from local farmers. This relationship ensures both superior product quality and fair compensation for the farmers. Ertugrul Evliyaoglu, the spokesperson for Malatya Apricot, emphasized this commitment during the announcement, stating, "We are excited to announce the expansion of our operations as it will enable us to serve our customers and meet their increasing demand for dried apricots." He adds, "Our goal is to continue providing our customers with the best quality dried apricots at competitive prices, and this expansion will help us achieve this."
The decision to expand is informed by the growing global market for dried apricots, which has seen rising interest due to consumer awareness surrounding healthy eating habits. Dried apricots are recognized for their abundant vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — including vitamin A, potassium, iron, and dietary fiber. These nutritional benefits have made them popular choices for health-conscious consumers who are increasingly incorporating dried fruits like apricots as snacks and key ingredients across various culinary applications.
The surge in demand for dried apricots has particularly affected markets across North America, Europe, and Asia, where there is heightened interest from consumers seeking nutritious and versatile food options. Reports indicate significant growth, particularly for diced dried apricots, which are now being integrated as ingredients in breakfast cereals, bakery items, energy bars, and more. This trend aligns with the increasing shift toward plant-based diets and functional food products.
Turkey remains indispensable to this market, recognized as the world’s leading producer and exporter of dried apricots. Within Turkey, Malatya — often regarded as the apricot capital of the world — plays a pivotal role, supplying premium-grade fruit to international markets. Compliance with global food safety regulations, including HACCP and ISO standards, ensures consumers receive high-quality products.
According to reports, the increasing international trade of dried apricots can be attributed to growing consumer demand from countries such as Germany, the United States, and Japan, where imports of the fruit have experienced substantial growth. The favorable climate, rich agricultural traditions, and dedicated production standards have solidified Turkey’s reputation globally.
Challenges, such as climate change impacts on crop yield, pose risks for the dried apricot industry. Weather-related disruptions can have lasting effects on harvests, prompting suppliers to innovate within their agricultural practices. Sustainable practices, such as water-efficient irrigation and fair labor initiatives, have been prioritized by industry leaders, fostering both ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility. Investment will likely pivot toward enhancing organic apricot production to meet rising consumer interest.
The future for the dried apricot market seems promising, characterized by continuous innovation and market expansion. Manufacturers are currently exploring new ways to refine product formulations, improve texture, and extend shelf life, with advancements focusing on enhancing flavor and maintaining the integrity of nutrients during processing.
This adaptability within the industry has yielded positive results and will likely support expanded global reach as dried apricots consolidate their position as preferred options among health-focused consumers. The rise of dried apricots — both whole and diced — emphasizes this fruit’s versatility and continual relevance within the global marketplace.
There’s no doubt: as awareness of health benefits grows, so too does the potential for success within the dried apricot sector. With backing from sustainable practices and through collaboration with local farmers, Malatya Apricot is poised to meet the demands of the market and continue setting standards for quality and transparency.
For Ertugrul Evliyaoglu, the roadmap for the company is clear. "With changes happening rapidly across global markets, our commitment to quality, sustainability, and efficient production practices ensures we can meet our customers’ needs effectively and ethically as demand continues to rise," he affirmed.
Indeed, the dried apricot industry exemplifies how agricultural traditions can mesh with modern market demands, demonstrating the potential for substantial growth across the food supply chain. Stakeholders and industry experts are encouraged to remain actively engaged as the global dried apricot market continues to evolve, driven by both consumer preferences and innovative production practices.
