5-Fold Price Gap for Apples in Turkey: From Orchard to Table

Market Situation Analysis in July 2026 According to the latest report from the Union of Turkish Agricultural Chambers (TZOB) published on July 2, 2026, the price gap between producers and consumers in agricultural products has increased sharply. Şemsi Bayraktar, President of TZOB, announced that in June and early July, the highest price difference was observed in apples [1]. This report shows that prices in the retail market are on average 4.8 to 5 times the price at the orchard gate, putting additional pressure on the livelihoods of Turkish households.

Apples: The Record Holder for Market Price Disparity Statistical data indicates that the price per kilogram of apples at the production site (orchard gate) is approximately 18.75 Turkish Lira, but the same product is sold in chain stores and urban markets at an astronomical price of 89.87 Lira [3]. This 379.3% difference places apples at the top of the list of products with the highest intermediary profit margins. Following apples, products such as carrots with a 284% difference and strawberries with a 283% difference rank next [1][2].

The Role of Intermediaries and Logistics Costs The newspaper "Merzifon Bilgi Gazetesi" noted in its analysis that rising fuel, fertilizer, and electricity costs have increased production costs for farmers, but the main profit in this cycle goes to intermediaries and the distribution system [2]. Transportation and cold storage costs are also cited as key factors justifying these high prices, although experts believe retail profits in large stores far exceed incidental costs [3].

Economic Consequences for Consumers Given that food inflation in Turkey reached approximately 35.4% in June 2026, this price gap has reduced the purchasing power of the people. While producers complain about a lack of sufficient support and low purchase prices, consumers have also lost the ability to buy seasonal fruits. Agricultural unions are calling for more oversight of wholesale markets and a reduction in the role of unnecessary intermediaries to balance prices in the summer of 2026 [1].