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GREEN BODRUM MANDARINS FIND NEW MARKETS THROUGH INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING

17.10.2026

Bodrum Municipality has arranged the delivery of 62.5 tonnes of green Bodrum mandarins sourced from 104 local growers for industrial processing, supporting producers during the early harvest period and increasing the economic value of the district’s geographically indicated citrus fruit. Coordinated by Bodrum Municipality’s Gıda Inc. and Agricultural Services Directorate, the initiative involved green mandarins harvested by growers in Bahçelievler, Bitez, Dereköy, Gündoğan, İslamhaneleri, Müskebi, Turgutreis and Yalıkavak. The fruit was packed at Herodot Cultural Centre before being dispatched for processing.

Mayor Mandalinci said the initiative was important for preserving the district’s agricultural heritage, protecting growers’ livelihoods and ensuring that mandarin orchards continue to thrive. He said that sourcing 62.5 tonnes of fruit from 104 growers during the green harvest would benefit both local producers and the future of agriculture in Bodrum. The municipality, Mayor Mandalinci added, would continue working to protect the geographically indicated Bodrum mandarin and pass this agricultural and cultural heritage on to future generations.

Deputy Mayor and Agricultural Engineer Ercan Pehlivan said the initiative provides an economic opportunity for growers while supporting sustainable production and zero-waste practices. The 62.5-tonne order has been prepared and dispatched for industrial use. The municipality is also working with food industry companies to explore new products made from green Bodrum mandarins, sending samples of the fruit at different stages of development to leading Turkish manufacturers.

Potential applications include green mandarin ice cream, ready-to-serve frozen slices, freeze-dried fruit and frozen juice products. The latest shipment is being supplied to Easy Mix Türkiye, a company specialising in frozen fruit juice blends.

Deputy Mayor Pehlivan said industrial processing could also create additional value from mandarin aromas and essential oils, while the remaining fruit pulp could be used in animal feed. This approach allows more of the fruit to be used commercially, reducing waste and creating additional revenue opportunities.

He added that Bodrum mandarins were increasingly being recognised as a valuable industrial ingredient, with different products possible at various stages of ripeness, from green through yellow to orange. This could extend the commercial season beyond the traditional harvest period and create further opportunities for local growers.

Bodrum Municipality will continue its work to support local production, protect mandarin orchards, develop higher-value agricultural products and promote zero-waste practices.