Russian ban offset by Turkey's pickling industry

Known as Turkey's capital of pickling, Bursa's Gedelek village has come to the rescue of farmers facing a Russian boycott of their vegetables, promising to pickle and export all unsold vegetables across the country.

Gedelek Agricultural Development Cooperative Chairman Mustafa Şener said Antalya's farmers were the main victims of the Russian ban that came after Turkey shot down a Russian jet that violated its airspace, arguing that unsold vegetables needed to be utilized.

"Since the announcement of the Russian boycott, between 500 and 600 tons of produce arrived in Gedelek. There is no reason why farmers need to suffer. We, as the pickling industry of Gedelek, are willing to do everything possible to prevent Russian bans from harming our country. We are determined to pickle all unsold vegetables and then to sell them across the world. We already have a market. They don't need to stress about it. They can call us anytime they want."

In the past, Antalya provided only a small fraction of the pickled vegetables, he said, noting that those which came were unseasonal produce grown in greenhouses. "In the last week, we are receiving between 50 to 80 tons of vegetables a day," he said.

Gedelek Muhtar Mehmet Dönmez said Gedelek pickle had become a globally recognized brand, with 25 percent of the 20,000 tons produced annually sold overseas. He said 17 different types of pickles were produced in the region. "Domestically, our most popular pickles are those made from cucumber and cabbage. Overseas, we sell mainly sweet pickles, mainly garlic and beetroot."

He said as a result of the Russian ban, which was also boycotting pickles, local producers had moved onto other markets. "I'm calling on all vegetable producers harmed by the ban. Let's pickle them and sell them all over the world. Our country is strong and won't be harmed by Russia. We are behind our government's stance and are willing to do what's necessary to overcome all adversity."