Exploring the Bountiful World of Black Bursa Figs in Turkey

Amarit Padda, Senior Category Buyer here at MWW, embarked on a journey to Turkey this summer to delve into the intricacies of our fig supply chain. While figs grace the UK supermarket shelves throughout the year, they become a delectable and an on-promotion treat during August and September, especially with the abundance of Black Bursa figs from Turkey.

Nestled approximately 150km south of Istanbul, the region of Bursa boasts sun-soaked, steep hills overlooking the Sea of Marmara. This picturesque area contributes 95% of Turkey's black fig production, cultivated by a network of small growers across around 40 villages. Among these, 10 villages stand out, collectively producing 70-80% of the total volume of black figs.

Aside from its fig fame, Bursa is renowned for Mount Uludağ, a towering mountain overlooking the city with a well-known ski resort. Visitors to Istanbul often encounter fresh spring water bottles sourced from Mount Uludağ.

During the visit, insights from our suppliers revealed the challenges posed by the extreme summer heat in Bursa. In a typical year, we anticipate figs from Turkey for 8 to 10 weeks. However, the scorching temperatures and insufficient rainfall resulted in smaller fruit on the trees, prompting growers to predict a condensed 5-7-week season.

The global impact of weather remains a significant challenge, affecting crops worldwide. Some regions have experienced shortened seasons due to high temperatures and drought, while others grapple with altered fruit quality due to excessive rainfall (as seen in Peruvian Avocado). Extreme heat has even led to total crop failures, exemplified by the absence of the Lychee season from Mexico in May, where the entire crop was wiped out.

This exploration into our fig supply chain underscores the intricate balance between nature and agriculture, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices and adaptability in the face of evolving weather patterns. At MWW, we remain committed to navigating these challenges and ensuring the highest quality produce for our valued customers.