As Aydın — the world leader in dried fig production and exports — continues its fight against aflatoxin and ochratoxin contamination, the Aydın Commodity Exchange (ATB) has introduced two major support measures for producers and exporters. The Exchange announced a 50% discount on both laboratory testing and cold storage services to assist stakeholders in the new season.
50% Discount on Toxin Analysis
ATB Chairman Fevzi Çondur stated that AYTB Aydın Laboratory Services Inc., one of Turkey’s first accredited laboratories, will offer aflatoxin and ochratoxin analyses at half price for producers, traders, and exporters. Established in 2002 to serve the fig export sector, the laboratory now provides nearly 400 types of analyses, including pesticide, mycotoxin, microbiological, and chemical tests, across Turkey. Çondur emphasized that the initiative aims to ease costs and strengthen quality control efforts in combating toxin-related export challenges.
50% Discount on Cold Storage Fees
ATB also announced a 50% reduction in storage fees at ATB Aydın Cold Storage Inc., which operates a renewable energy–powered facility with an 8,000-ton capacity on a 19,000 m² site. The depot, powered by solar panels, includes an A-type bonded warehouse, allowing reprocessing and re-export of returned goods under proper conditions. Çondur noted that the discount will help producers preserve their products safely and cost-effectively.
Sustaining Aydın’s Success Story
Highlighting that Türkiye is the world’s top dried fig producer and exporter, Çondur reminded that last year’s export challenges were caused by toxin-related product rejections in foreign markets. “Exporters are acting cautiously this year due to last season’s returns,” he said. “However, Aydın continues to produce the world’s best-quality figs, and we must sustain this success story built over the last 20 years.”
He added that ATB continues its sectoral meetings and lobbying efforts with the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade to address toxin regulations and ensure sustainable exports. The first shipment date for the 2025–2026 dried fig export season has been set as October 15, 2025, and Çondur expressed optimism that fig purchases and export packaging activities will soon accelerate.
