Thanks to its climatic diversity and its proximity to Europe and Asia, Turkey—heir to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires—is positioning blueberries as an emerging crop within its fruit industry.
Located in the province of Antalya, Oragro Farm was founded by Mehmet Çiçek, who leads the production of blueberries and table grapes on carefully managed company-owned fields. The company prioritizes sustainable agricultural practices to ensure products of the highest quality, while preserving the environment for future generations.
Its commitment goes beyond harvesting exceptional fruit: it integrates innovation, responsibility, and excellence at every stage of cultivation.
As the company’s CEO explains, they began blueberry production six years ago. “We are new to the business and are still evaluating which variety best adapts to our region. Last year, yields were acceptable, but there is room for improvement,” he says. He also notes that “fruit quality was good; we had no claims, although berry size could be larger. We achieved an average of 16 mm.”
Next steps
Antalya, located on the Mediterranean coast, offers favorable conditions for low-chill varieties. However, Çiçek explains that the next step is to expand into areas situated at 1,000 meters above sea level, with higher-chill varieties—an even greater challenge, as the inland climate is drier and hotter.
“The main issue in production is that there are too many small growers, with farms ranging between 2 and 3 hectares. We are the only ones with 120 hectares, and we are planning to reach 200 hectares in the short term,” he emphasizes.
Blueberry season: expansion and markets
The harvest season runs from late May through August, allowing the company to ensure a steady supply to meet the demand of its business partners across different markets.
While the domestic market remains strong, shipments to key destinations have been gaining prominence. The company currently exports to Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and Asia.
In phytosanitary terms, “the main challenges are thrips and botrytis, although both are manageable under proper technical control,” Çiçek concludes.
