Dried Fig Supplier Interview: Part 2

Goldenfood Interview

This interview was conducted with a representative from Goldenfood. Established in 1998, Goldenfood collects figs in the Aegean region in Türkiye. The figs are then processed in their 6,000 square meters (sqm) processing and packing facilities in Aydin, equipped with cutting-edge technology and manned by experienced personnel. Complying with international food standards and regulations, Goldenfood exports its products, including dried figs, to Europe and the United States (US). Alper Akkurt, a member of Tridge, conducted the interview.

Countries Goldenfood exported to

Source: Tridge

Tridge: Could you tell us about your fig production and harvest process?

Goldenfood: We don't have fresh fig production. Generally, we have dried fig production on our own lands; fresh figs are dried and displayed on tile and wooden grates. We don't sell fresh figs. Our farmers produce fresh figs, we collect them, dry them, and prepare them for export.

Tridge: How much dried fig do you produce every year?

Goldenfood: Annually, we have the capacity to produce and sell 500 to 750 tons of dried figs.

Tridge: What factors are key determinants in producing high-quality figs?

Goldenfood: Fresh figs start coming out around August 15, and dried figs are available at the beginning of September. The harvest increases every year, but in some years, there are high-quality dried figs, while in others, there are low-quality ones. Weather conditions are determinant.

Tridge: Have you seen a change in the dried fig trend recently in your company when it comes to demand?

Goldenfood: The world economy is in a terrible state. Most people have changed their habits during the coronavirus period, affecting all aspects of buying, consuming, and selling. A process has developed that we can't understand; we can't even name it. So many buyers disappeared.

We don't understand, and we still don't know what exactly happened. But if forces don't interfere, production, export, and consumption will naturally recover, but unfortunately, climate conditions affect all products and don't let people be at ease.

Tridge: What differentiates Goldenfood from other fig-producing companies?

Goldenfood: We produce the best-dried figs in Türkiye, from Izmir to Denizli, especially between the Little (Küçük) Meander Basin and the Great (Büyük) Meander Basin. Additionally, there is production in Balıkesir, Hatay, and Muğla areas; there are trees. We have various places for production.

Fig-producing provinces around Türkiye in and out of the Aegean region

Source: Goldenfood

Plain figs have thicker skin and develop early, while mountain figs, generally found in the Aydın region, have thin skin, are of higher quality, and develop later. Compared to our region's products, figs from other places have thicker skin. We also have ongoing efforts for both organic and conventional product production.

Tridge: What are the plans for your company in terms of dried figs?

Goldenfood: As you know, plans don't easily come true. I must emphasize again that weather conditions are an important determinant. Since costs increase drastically every year, we spend time dreaming.

Again, we estimate we could sell 500 to 750 tons. More can be done, but we don't want to increase beyond that to ensure that we are producing the right quality.

Those who want to buy figs can come to us; everyone dreams of proper products, proper quality, and healthy sales. Our doors are open to everyone. Those who want to win mutually, those who want proper products, proper quality, healthy products – they are welcome.

For more information on Goldenfood, please visit Tridge’s Website, 365 Exhibition Booth page.