Issue 31: "The Export Journey of Pine Nuts

We spoke with Serkan Karatosun, the third-generation representative of HAKKI KARATOSUN PINE NUT FACTORY, which produces pine nuts in the Koçarlı district of Aydın and exports them with an annual revenue of 30 million dollars, supported by the government.

First of all, can you tell us about yourself?

I was born in 1978. I live in Çallı neighborhood, Koçarlı district, Aydın, and I am a father of four. We started in trade at a young age, following a family tradition. My grandfather was a respected businessman in the area. He also traded pine nuts, one of our region's agricultural products, at his grocery store. After him, my father made significant strides in expanding the production and trade of pine nuts, turning it into a thriving sector. My brother and I have now taken over this business, which has been passed down through generations, and we proudly continue to carry the torch.

As the third-generation representative of your business, you applied to the Agriculture and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK) in 2014 to expand your 1,000-square-meter facility. Can you tell us about the application process?

As third-generation representatives, we worked hard to increase the recognition of the value of pine nut trade. However, I can say that we drew our strength from the legacy left to us by our past. In the 1980s, we had a small 100-square-meter warehouse. By 1995, we had a small 170-square-meter production facility. In 2004, we built a 6,000-square-meter factory with a 1,000-square-meter closed area in our Çallı neighborhood, based on the conditions of that time. As a family business, our father gave my brother and me great responsibility. We were young, but our responsibility was big, as there was 60 years of effort behind us, and we had to carry this responsibility in the best possible way.

With this mindset, we knew we had to do our business professionally and keep up with the changing and developing pace of the world's economic and technological trends. Therefore, we made some moves to grow our business. In 2013, we built a factory with 8,500 square meters of land and a 3,000-square-meter closed area in Koçarlı, and in 2014, we submitted a project to TKDK. In 2016, we submitted another project. Our latest project was submitted in 2019. As a result, we have made our factory compliant with global and European standards. Since 2015, we have been sending the pine nuts we produce to every part of the world, ensuring hygiene and food safety. Our goal is to increase the recognition of Aydın Pine Nuts, grown in this land, in national and international markets and to offer them at fair prices.

What is the current status of Aydın Pine Nut production in our region?

Aydın Pine Nut production is one of the most important sectors for our local economy. Aydın leads the way in pine nut production and processing, serving as an example to the world. The majority of producers in Aydın carry out pruning, spraying, and fertilizing, taking great care of the trees and preparing them for harvest. Since Aydın Pine Nut cultivation is done consciously in our region, production is in good condition.

How does the harvest period take place?

The harvest period in our region begins in November and continues until February. Timing is very important.

The Aydın Commodity Exchange has registered a geographical indication for Aydın Pine Nuts. How will this benefit you and the producers?

We would like to thank the Aydın Commodity Exchange for their efforts in obtaining the geographical indication for Aydın Pine Nuts. This registration will increase the value of our product. As Aydın residents, we have protected our pine nuts. Aydın Pine Nuts are of very high quality. In the past, the Bergama region used to take Aydın Pine Nuts and sell them as Bergama Pine Nuts. Of course, this registration will benefit producers in terms of pricing.

Today, Aydın Pine Nuts, which compete with gold in terms of price, are preferred for both their taste and health benefits. However, there are also food fraudsters who mix much cheaper peanuts with pine nuts that have undergone certain processes to make them look similar. How can consumers distinguish this?

Aydın Pine Nuts are a very healthy product. A pine nut can be consumed only after 30 months. Due to its value and strategic importance, fake Aydın Pine Nuts have been produced, with peanuts being made to look like pine nuts. However, peanuts are a plant with a 4-month growing period. There is a simple but effective solution to distinguish them: When roasted in a pan, peanuts split in two. In terms of taste, they also differ from pine nuts. This is how they can be distinguished.

You achieved $30 million in exports with the support of the government. To which countries are Aydın Pine Nuts exported?

Sixty percent of Turkey's pine nut exports come from Aydın, and we achieved $30 million in exports. We export to European countries.

In recent years, there have been many active projects and initiatives in agricultural production in terms of entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur yourself, what would you say? What steps do you suggest producers take to help high-value-added agricultural products from our region gain recognition in international markets?

Aydın is a unique place in the world. We have many opportunities ahead of us. However, as people of Aydın, some of us tend to be lazy. We have a risk-averse nature. First, we must be aware that we should not be afraid of taking risks. What’s important is to thoroughly research the risks we take and conduct feasibility studies. If you are going to start a business, it is best to take small but solid steps. While following the developments in the world, you should also seek advice from experts in the field, which will broaden your horizons. We must remember that "a rolling stone gathers no moss." Working and producing projects will always light your path. Just believe and start your journey with confidence.