Turkey's orange production, variety and province shares, export markets, the geographical indication of Finike orange, and the UNECE quality standard.
In orange, according to TÜİK data, production reached approximately 2.31 million tons in 2023 and fell to approximately 1.61 million tons in 2024 owing to a return to normal levels after a record season and to unfavorable hot weather during the flowering period (TEPGE, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry). This fluctuation is a reminder for orange buyers: supply does not arrive at the same level every year, and the early varieties, which are the first lots of the season, are the most sensitive to weather events — the 2024 report of USDA FAS states that early varieties such as Navelina and Fukumoto were affected most by the decline. According to our season calendar, these two varieties begin their harvest in October; the table for the current month is in our October harvest guide.
Variety structure: Washington Navel is decisive
According to TEPGE data, approximately 65% of Turkey's orange production in 2023 was Washington Navel and 3% was Yafa (Shamouti), with the remainder made up of other varieties. The season opens with the Washington Navel group and closes with the Valencia group; navel varieties are preferred for table consumption and Valencia for the juice industry. To extend the season in both directions, Fukumoto, which ripens before Washington Navel, and Lane Late and Cara Cara, which ripen after it, have grown in importance (as noted in the TEPGE report with reference to Turgut and Ersöz, 2024). You can find the place of the varieties we supply in the calendar in our citrus variety guide, and the full month-by-month view in our Seasonal Calendar.
Production regions and export markets
According to TEPGE, approximately 88% of orange production took place in the Mediterranean region in 2024; Antalya accounted for 29%, Adana for 23%, and Hatay for 19%. Provincial shares change from year to year (in 2023 Adana ranked first with 27%), so the ranking of a single year should not be read as a permanent picture. For all of our supply regions, see our supply regions page.
Three markets stand out in exports. According to the July 2026 report of TEPGE, in 2025 exports Russia has a share of 53.8%, Ukraine 12.7%, and Iraq 10.9%; Georgia follows with 2.6% and Canada with 2.3%.
| Market | 2025 export share |
|---|---|
| Russia | 53.8% |
| Ukraine | 12.7% |
| Iraq | 10.9% |
| Georgia | 2.6% |
| Canada | 2.3% |
The export volume of orange is published with different figures depending on the source and the season definition (calendar year or the October-September marketing year); for this reason we do not give a single volume figure here.
Finike orange: a selection with a geographical indication
The Washington Navel selection of the Finike district of Antalya has been registered as an Appellation of Origin since 26 December 2008, according to TÜRKPATENT records (the applicant is the Finike Agricultural Development Cooperative). Only fruit grown in this district may carry the name; for details, see our orange product page.
Quality and maturity: peel color is not the only criterion
Orange is graded in the Extra, Class I, and Class II categories in line with the UNECE citrus standard (FFV-14). In the standard, maturity is defined by a minimum juice content and the sugar/acid ratio, independently of peel color; a variety-specific color is sought, but once these requirements are met, a slight green color on the peel is acceptable. For this reason, an early orange grown in hot and humid conditions may keep a greenish peel even though it has reached internal maturity; the standard permits degreening of citrus fruit that meets the maturity requirements, provided that the natural organoleptic characteristics remain unchanged. For caliber and packaging options, see our caliber and packaging guide, and for transport temperature, our transport temperature guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the orange season start in Turkey?
The season starts in October with the early navel varieties Navelina and Fukumoto; these varieties enter their busiest period in November, while Washington Navel starts in November and becomes busiest in December. Late varieties such as Valencia carry the season into spring.
In which provinces are oranges grown in Turkey?
Approximately 88% of production is in the Mediterranean region; according to TEPGE, in 2024 Antalya has a share of 29%, Adana 23%, and Hatay 19%. Provincial shares change from year to year.
Can an orange with a green peel be mature?
Yes. The UNECE standard defines maturity not by peel color but by a minimum juice content and the sugar/acid ratio; once these requirements are met, a slight green peel color is acceptable.
