Recep Tayyip Erdoğan World Apricot Trade Center Opened

In Malatya, which has an important place in the world dried apricot production, the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan World Apricot Trade Center, where producers and exporters will meet, has been put into service. Ramazan Özcan, the President of Malatya Commodity Exchange (MTB), stated that from now on, the starting point of apricot trade is the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan World Apricot Trade Center.

Details About the New Trade Center

President of Malatya Commodity Exchange Ramazan Özcan, who introduced the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan World Apricot Trade Center located in Yaka Mahallesi, a district of Yeşilyurt, stated that this place is an important necessity for apricots, which have the EU Geographical Indication Registration certificate, and said, “Construction started in 2021 and now we have reached its completion.”

Özcan also expressed that they have reached their annual target of 500 million dollars of apricot exports as Malatya and their next target is 750 million. He stated that with the new trade center, producers and traders will now be able to conduct their transactions in a healthier and more hygienic environment.

• Özcan also mentioned that the physical conditions of the Şire Market in Sarıcıoğlu Mahallesi are insufficient, and when choosing the new location, they specifically aimed for easier access for producers from districts.
• Ramazan Özcan stated that they have now ended wholesale apricot trade sales in the old area. He also emphasized that Malatya Commodity Exchange is a significant stakeholder in Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Apricot Trade Center, as well as in Yazıhan Livestock OIZ and Milk Collection Center.

Important Statements and Goals

President Özcan mentioned, “The EU Geographical Indication Certificate has become the meeting point for producers and exporters of dried apricots, which we claim to produce 70-80% of the world’s production. We were aware of how inadequate the Şire Market we previously operated in was in terms of physical conditions, transportation, and health. Malatya definitely needed a new Şire Market. It was established both near and far from the city. We have pressed the button for the start of operations in this area. From now on, this is where the producer will sell their product; it is the meeting point for merchants, traders, and exporters. The public and producers should know that wholesale apricot trade has now been concluded in the center. From now on, this is where apricot trade will start taking place.”

Özcan mentioned that the new center is built on a 300,000 square meter area and there are 650 businesses. He also stated that along with the Wheat Market, 900 shops will be operational in the trade center.